Biological ammonium transporters from the Amt/Mep/Rh superfamily: mechanism, energetics, and technical limitations

Gordon Williamson, Adriana Bizior, Thomas Harris, Leighton Pritchard, Paul A. Hoskisson, Arnaud Javelle*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
29 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The exchange of ammonium across cellular membranes is a fundamental process in all domains of life and is facilitated by the ubiquitous Amt/Mep/Rh transporter superfamily. Remarkably, despite a high structural conservation in all domains of life, these proteins have gained various biological functions during evolution. It is tempting to hypothesise that the physiological functions gained by these proteins may be explained at least in part by differences in the energetics of their translocation mechanisms. Therefore, in this review, we will explore our current knowledge of energetics of the Amt/Mep/Rh family, discuss variations in observations between different organisms, and highlight some technical drawbacks which have hampered effects at mechanistic characterisation. Through the review we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of current understanding of the mechanism of transport of this unique and extraordinary Amt/Mep/Rh superfamily of ammonium transporters.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberBSR20211209
Number of pages24
JournalBioscience Reports
Volume44
Issue number1
Early online date22 Dec 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2024

Keywords

  • Amt/Mep/Rh
  • ammonium transporter
  • energetics
  • methylamonium permease
  • rhesus protein
  • electrophysiology

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