The 6.9-angstrom structure of GlpF: A basis for homology modeling of the glycerol channel from Escherichia coli

The three-dimensional structure of GlpF, the glycerol facilitator of Escher ichia coli, was determined by cryo-electron microscopy, The 6.9-Angstrom de nsity map calculated from images of two-dimensional crystals shows the GlpF helices to be similar to those of AQP1, the erythrocyte water channel, Whi le the helix arrangement of GlpF does not reflect the larger pore diameter as seen in the projection map, additional peripheral densities observed in GlpF are compatible with the 31 additional residues in loops C and E, which accordingly do not interfere with the inner channel construction. Therefor e, the atomic structure of AQP1 was used as a basis for homology modeling o f the GlpF channel, which is predicted to be free of bends, wider, and more vertically oriented than the AQP1 channel. Furthermore, the residues facin g the GlpF channel exhibit an amphiphilic nature, being hydrophobic on one side and hydrophilic on the other side. This property may partially explain the contradiction of glycerol diffusion but limited water permeation capac ity. (C) 2000 Academic Press.