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Mathematical modeling of maltose uptake system in E. coli using nanodisc fluorescence quenching data

University of British Columbia

Recent data measured in nanodiscs conflicts with the standard theory of maltose transport in the MalE-MalFGK₂ uptake system found in E. coli. Nanodisc fluorescence quenching data suggest an alternate pathway in which unliganded MalE binds the P-open transporter, facilitating maltose acquisition. Nanodisc data also indicate that MalE regulates maltose uptake at high concentrations. We analyzed four mathematical models of the maltose uptake system: the distinct standard and alternate models, and two integrated models. Nanodisc fluorescence quenching data and nonlinear regression analysis were used to fit equilibrium constants and kinetic rates. The flux through each pathway in an integrated model was calculated using asymptotic analysis and fit parameter values. We conclude that it is likely that transport occurs when liganded MalE associates to a P-open conformation of MalFGK₂, rather than binding to the P-closed transporter as suggested by the standard model. The standard pathway was calculated to be negative, i.e. to occur in reverse as a means of regulating maltose uptake at high concentration. This analysis conflicts with the standard model in which liganded MalE binds to a closed transporter and triggers an opening of the transporter proteins which in turn open the liganded MalE. The analysis also found that a relatively small amount of maltose transport may occur through the alternate pathway involving unliganded MalE.

Text

2013-04-18

Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/44253

Mathematics

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/