Outer membrane porin C (OmpC) (OmpC)

Outer membrane porin C (OmpC) is a major non-specific porin located in the outer membrane of Escherichia coli and related Gram-negative bacteria (UniProt P0EB06). It functions as a trimeric beta-barrel channel that facilitates the passive diffusion of small hydrophilic molecules, such as ions and nutrients, which are essential for bacterial survival (PubMed 22535927). OmpC is a critical pathway for the entry of several classes of antibiotics, including beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones, making it a focal point in the study of antimicrobial resistance (PubMed 19249478). Mutations or decreased expression of OmpC are frequently observed in clinical isolates exhibiting multi-drug resistance, as these changes limit drug accumulation within the periplasm (PubMed 25239701). Additionally, OmpC is highly immunogenic; anti-OmpC antibodies are utilized as serological biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis and stratification of Crohn's disease in humans (PubMed 11557314). Its dual role as a vital bacterial transporter and a key factor in antibiotic susceptibility makes it a significant target for the development of potentiators and novel delivery systems designed to bypass membrane barriers.

Other names

Porin COuter membrane protein COmpC proteinompC

OmpC acts as a non-specific aqueous pore that allows the passive diffusion of hydrophilic antibiotics across the bacterial outer membrane to reach their targets in the periplasm or cytoplasm (PubMed 22535927; PubMed 19249478).