Sec-Independent Protein Translocase Protein Tatc (tatC) Escherichia Coli Recombinant Protein

Function: Part of the twin-arginine translocation (Tat) system that transports large folded proteins containing a characteristic twin-arginine motif in their signal peptide across membranes. Together with TatB, TatC is part of a receptor directly interacting with Tat signal peptides. Ref.7 Ref.12 Ref.15 Ref.21 Ref.22

Subunit structure: The Tat system comprises two distinct complexes: a TatABC complex, containing multiple copies of TatA, TatB and TatC subunits, and a separate TatA complex, containing only TatA subunits. Substrates initially bind to the TatABC complex, which probably triggers association of the separate TatA complex to form the active translocon. TatC can form a distinct, stable, multimeric complex independent of TatA and TatB. Each of TatA, TatB and TatC are able to interact in pairs without the third partner. Interacts with the signal sequence of DmsA and DmsD. Ref.6 Ref.16 Ref.17 Ref.18 Ref.20 Ref.23

Subcellular location: Cell inner membrane; Multi-pass membrane protein. Note: Localizes at the cell poles. Ref.9 Ref.16 Ref.23

Induction: Constitutively expressed. Ref.10

Disruption phenotype: Disruption blocks the export of at least five twin-arginine-containing precursor proteins that are predicted to bind redox cofactors, and hence fold prior to translocation. Disruption does not affect the Sec pathway. Ref.7

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the TatC family.