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ATP binding cassette proteins:
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The largest paralogous family of proteins in one of the smallest cellular pathogens: ATP-binding cassette proteins and their predicted functions in Spiroplasma kunkelii.

image of ATP-binding cassette proteins and their predicted functions in Spiroplasma kunkelii

The genes encoding ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins constitute the largest gene family in the S. kunkelii genome.

S. kunkelii ABC proteins are involved in 16 functional systems and a majority of them are membrane-bound transporters. These transporters convey a wide variety of substrates and are critical for nutrient uptake and multidrug resistance; some may play important roles in pathogenicity.

Structural and comparative studies of the ABC gene family provide a framework for functional characterization of the ABC systems in the phytopathogenic bacterium and for design of therapeutic agents against the pathogen.