β-barrel assembly machine subunit A (BamA)

β-barrel assembly machine subunit A (BamA) is an integral outer membrane protein found in all Gram-negative bacteria and is essential for bacterial survival. BamA forms the central component of the β-barrel assembly machine (BAM) complex, a multi-protein system (BamA-E) that catalyzes the folding and insertion of outer membrane β-barrel proteins, crucial for cell envelope integrity. BamA is itself a β-barrel protein and acts as a scaffold and chaperone, recognizing and assisting in the proper folding and membrane integration of diverse β-barrel substrates via its periplasmic POTRA domains and C-terminal β-barrel domain. BamA's activity is vital for biogenesis of the bacterial outer membrane, making it a promising target for novel antibiotics aimed at disabling Gram-negative pathogens by compromising their outer membrane integrity. No clinically approved drugs target BamA yet, but it is under active investigation as an antibacterial target.

Other names

Omp85Outer membrane protein assembly factor BamAOmp85 family proteinOuter membrane protein 85

Inhibition of BamA prevents the assembly and integration of β-barrel proteins into the bacterial outer membrane, leading to defective outer membranes and bacterial death