Hypothetical protein Introduction
Breif Introduction
Early literature review suggests that our protein is either RbsD or FucU, it is thought that both are of similar function. FucU may play a similar role as RbsD by binding L-fucose (Kim et al. 2003). It is tentatively suggested that these two proteins are involved in the binding, transport or possibly metabolism of sugar molecules in cells. Their involvement in any one of these processes is not yet clear or understood. It is thought RbsD and FucU play a role in the d-ribose and L-fucose transport respectively. D-ribose and L-fucose are forms of sugars and are used as energy sources. In the sequence analysis, RbsD shows no predicted transmembrane domain and exhibits sequence similarity to RbsD homologues in other organisms and to FucU, which is a component of the fucose operon (Kim et al 2001). Further research on these proteins has however identified possible biochemical functions. It seems that these two proteins are involved in the initial binding of the sugar molecules. Kim et al. (2003) demonstrated that the biochemical function of RbsD and FucU is to bind specific forms of D-ribose and fucose, respectively. This was concluded through the identification of conserved residues at the sugar binding sites. Kim et al (2003) still has reservations about the exact function suggesting that the proteins play a role in facilitating the influx of the sugar substrates.
Abstract | Introduction | Method |
Results | Discussion | Conclusion | References
