Molecular genetic analysis of membrane protein topology

In E. coli, mutants and gene fusions have been used to obtain topological information about which domains lie on which side of the membrane in order to determination of the topology of such a protein.

Abstract

A transmembrane protein contains domains residing in the aqueous compartments on both sides of the membrane in which it is integrated. A determination of the topology of such a protein requires the definition of which domains lie on which side of the membrane. In E. coli, mutants and gene fusions have been used to obtain this topological information.