Anaerobic transport of serine and 2-aminoisobutyric acid by Staphylococcus epidermidis

Abstract

A membrane-bound ATPase detected in extracts of anaerobically grown Staphylococcus epidermidis was inhibited by a variety of compounds which inhibit ATPases in other organisms. Serine and 2-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) were shown to enter the organism via the same transport system. The transport of AIB, the membrane potential and the transmembrane pH gradient were partially or completely abolished by the same inhibitors and also by uncoupling agents and lipid-soluble ions. It is proposed therefore that this ATPase generates and maintains an electrochemical gradient of protons across the cytoplasmic membrane of S. epidermidis capable of driving AIB uptake. Studies of AIB-induced proton movements suggested that AIB enters via a proton symport mechanism.