The structure of the Bam complex, the Gram-negative outer membrane protein folding machinery

The proteins of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria are critical for bacterial survival, from providing basic physiological functions, to impairing virulence and multidrug resistance. The Bam complex has been found to be essential for folding these proteins into the outer membrane. The process by which this is achieved is unknown. Key to this understanding is the knowledge of the structure of the complex and its individual components. We aim to continue our investigation of the Bam complex by studying the complete BamABCDE complex for the first time and in particular identify the location of BamE. To do this we will use Small Angle Neutron Scattering and specific deuteration, in concert with previously collected SANS datasets of the BamCDE and BamABCD sub complexes, to probe the structure of the full Bam complex for first time