From Proteopedia
proteopedia linkproteopedia linkE. Coli D- Ribose Binding Protein (RBP) is involved in signal transduction of the chemokine D-ribose to stimulate chemotaxis in the bacteria.
One of the CBI Molecules being studied in the University of Massachusetts Amherst Chemistry-Biology Interface Program at UMass Amherst and on display at the Molecular Playground.
Exploring the Structure
In the open conformation the RBP is found in a tetramer four identical domains, A,B,C,and D. Within each of these domains lies a binding site for d-ribose. When d-ribose enters the periplasmic space of the gram negative bacteria and binds to one of the monomers this bound form then interacts with transmembrane protein Trg, the chemotaxis transducer for d-ribose. Trg then sends biochemical signals to tell the bacteria's flagella to rotate leading to bacterial migration towards the sugar food source.