Outer membrane porin PhoE (PhoE)

Outer membrane porin PhoE, also known as phosphoporin, is a trimeric beta-barrel protein located in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, most notably Escherichia coli. It functions as a channel for the passive diffusion of small hydrophilic molecules, exhibiting a distinct selectivity for inorganic phosphate, phosphorylated compounds, and other negatively charged solutes. The expression of PhoE is regulated by the Pho regulon and is significantly upregulated under conditions of phosphate starvation. In clinical medicine, PhoE is a critical component of the bacterial permeability barrier and serves as a primary entry route for several classes of antibiotics, including beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones. Consequently, alterations in PhoE expression or structure are frequently associated with the development of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria. Beyond its role in transport, PhoE is also investigated as a potential target for vaccine development and as a scaffold for engineering novel drug delivery systems.

Other names

Phosphoporin EOuter membrane pore protein EPhosphoporinompE

Passive diffusion through the porin channel to reach intracellular targets