Lipoprotein transport complex LolCDE (LolCDE)

Lipoprotein transport complex LolCDE is a multimeric ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter found in the inner membrane of Gram-negative bacteria[1][2][3][4][5]. It consists of the integral membrane proteins LolC and LolE, and the cytoplasmic ATPase LolD. This complex initiates the localization of lipoproteins (Lol) export pathway by extracting mature, triacylated bacterial lipoproteins from the outer leaflet of the inner membrane, using energy from ATP hydrolysis. The transported lipoproteins are subsequently transferred to the periplasmic chaperone LolA and ultimately delivered to the bacterial outer membrane. LolCDE is essential for bacterial growth, envelope integrity, and virulence, making it a validated antibacterial drug target. The complex itself is structurally distinct as a type VII ABC transporter and functions via selective substrate recognition, involving conformational changes upon ATP binding and hydrolysis[2][3][5]. Since lipoprotein transport is critical for Gram-negative bacterial viability, inhibition of LolCDE leads to bacterial cell death and is being explored for novel antibiotic development[3][5].

Other names

Localization of lipoproteins ABC transporterABC transporter LolCDELolCDE complexLolCDE transporterGram-negative bacterial lipoprotein transporter

Inhibiting ATPase activity or lipoprotein binding disrupts lipoprotein transport, leading to defective outer membrane biogenesis and bacterial death[2][3][5].