The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter BtuCD mediates the uptake of vitamin B(12) across the inner membrane of Escherichia coli. Previous structures have shown the conformations of apo states, but the transport mechanism has remained unclear. Here we report the 3.5 Å crystal structure of the transporter-binding protein complex BtuCD-BtuF (BtuCD-F) trapped in an β-γ-imidoadenosine 5'-phosphate (AMP-PNP)-bound intermediate state. Although the ABC domains (BtuD subunits) form the expected closed sandwich dimer, the membrane-spanning BtuC subunits adopt a new conformation, with the central translocation pathway sealed by a previously unrecognized cytoplasmic gate. A fully enclosed cavity is thus formed approximately halfway across the membrane. It is large enough to accommodate a vitamin B(12) molecule, and radioligand trapping showed that liposome-reconstituted BtuCD-F indeed contains bound B(12) in the presence of AMP-PNP. In combination with engineered disulphide crosslinking and functional assays, our data suggest an unexpected peristaltic transport mechanism that is distinct from those observed in other ABC transporters.

Membrane-integral adenylyl cyclases (ACs) are key enzymes in mammalian heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein (G protein)–dependent signal transduction, which is important in many cellular processes. Signals received by the G protein–coupled receptors are conveyed to ACs through G proteins to modulate the levels of cellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Here, we describe the cryo–electron microscopy structure of the bovine membrane AC9 bound to an activated G protein αs subunit at 3.4-angstrom resolution. The structure reveals the organization of the membrane domain and helical domain that spans between the membrane and catalytic domains of AC9. The carboxyl-terminal extension of the catalytic domain occludes both the catalytic and the allosteric sites of AC9, inducing a conformation distinct from the substrate- and activator-bound state, suggesting a regulatory role in cAMP production.

We describe a general mass spectrometry approach to determine subunit stoichiometry and lipid binding in intact membrane protein complexes. By exploring conditions for preserving interactions during transmission into the gas phase and for optimally stripping away detergent, by subjecting the complex to multiple collisions, we release the intact complex largely devoid of detergent This enabled us to characterize both subunit stoichiometry and lipid binding in 4 membrane protein complexes.Membrane proteins perform a wide range of biological functions including respiration, signal transduction and molecular transport. Despite their obvious importance, these proteins and their complexes remain notoriously difficult to study. High-resolution methods, such as X-ray crystallography, require recombinant expression and crystallization of proteins, both of which are difficult for membrane subunits. Low-resolution methods to characterize membrane protein complexes include blue native gel electrophoresis 1 , sedimentation equilibrium or sedimentation velocity measurements via analytical ultracentrifugation 2 and small-angle X-ray scattering 3 . Although excellent results regarding the size of membrane proteins can be obtained, large quantities of protein are usually required, and it is essential to account for the contribution of the micelle to the overall mass. It can also be difficult to obtain definitive data on large or unstable complexes that do not form single oligomeric states in detergent solutions. Moreover the low accuracy of ultracentrifugation or X-ray scattering data does not normally reveal lipid binding or allow observation of posttranslational modifications.