TolC outer membrane protein (TolC)

TolC is a multifunctional outer membrane protein found in Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, that serves as the common exit duct for several multidrug efflux systems and Type I secretion systems (UniProt: P02930). It forms a unique structure consisting of a 100-angstrom-long alpha-helical tunnel spanning the periplasm and a 40-angstrom-long beta-barrel crossing the outer membrane (PubMed: 10847682). By facilitating the expulsion of a wide range of antibiotics, detergents, and toxins, TolC plays a critical role in both intrinsic and acquired multidrug resistance (PubMed: 21435163). Because it is essential for the function of major efflux systems like AcrAB-TolC, it is considered a high-priority target for the development of efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) (PubMed: 24913171). Targeting TolC aims to restore the intracellular concentration of antibiotics, thereby reversing resistance and enhancing the efficacy of existing antimicrobial therapies (PubMed: 30224531). Research into TolC inhibitors continues to focus on overcoming the structural challenges of the channel to provide a synergistic approach to treating resistant infections.

Other names

Outer membrane protein TolCOuter membrane channel protein TolCEfflux pump outer membrane proteinTolC outer membrane efflux channel

Efflux pump inhibition; specifically, the blocking of the outer membrane channel to prevent the extrusion of antimicrobial agents from the bacterial cell.