Bifidobacterium longum alpha-xyloside-binding protein (BlAXBP)

Bifidobacterium longum alpha-xyloside-binding protein (BlAXBP) is a specialized solute-binding protein found in the human gut commensal bacterium Bifidobacterium longum. It plays a critical role in the transport and metabolism of xyloglucan-derived oligosaccharides, specifically recognizing and binding alpha-xylosides with high affinity to facilitate their entry into the cell via an ABC transporter system (Ejby et al., 2013, J. Biol. Chem.). This protein is essential for the bacterium's ability to utilize complex plant-derived dietary fibers, which provides a competitive advantage in the gut environment. While not a traditional human therapeutic target, BlAXBP is of significant interest in microbiome research and the development of prebiotics, as it defines the niche specificity of beneficial gut microbes. Understanding its structural basis for ligand recognition helps in designing dietary interventions to promote gut health and manage metabolic or inflammatory diseases associated with microbiome dysbiosis.

Other names

Alpha-xyloside-binding proteinBLLONG_0549Solute-binding protein BlAXBP

Not applicable as this is not a human therapeutic target; it functions as a substrate-binding protein for ABC transporters in gut bacteria.