ABC Superfamily
The ABC Superfamily stands for ATP Binding Cassette Family. These proteins are invloved in ion transport across the membrane, with members including CFTR AND P-Glycoprotein. The standard structure of a member of the ABC is 12 membrane-spanning domains and 2 Nucleotide Binding Domains (occassionally referred to as a Nucleotide Folding Domain). ATP binds at the NBD [1].
The ABC family of proteins are one of the largest family of proteins known and have been found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This family of proteins differ significantly from other ATP-binding protein family of kinases. They are not all involved in ion transport across the membrane, some have also been found to be involved in the presentation of antigens as well as being involved in different inherited human diseases .
References
- ↑ Rees, D.C.; E. Johnson; O. Lewinson. 2009. ABC transporters: the power to change. Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. 10, 218-227.