1.B.6.1.3
OmpATb (ArfA). The central domain (residues 73-220) has been reported to exhibit channel activity (Molle et al., 2006). Its expression is dependent on small single TMS membrane proteins which are encoded in a single operon with it (Veyron-Churlet et al., 2011). The rv0899 gene, encoding OmpATb, is part of an operon (rv0899-rv0901) that is required for fast ammonia secretion, pH neutralization, and growth of M. tuberculosis in acidic environments (Song et al. 2011). Homologues are widespread in bacteria with functions in nitrogen metabolism, adaptation to nutrient poor environments, and/or establishing symbiosis with host organisms (Marassi, 2011). The high resolution 3-d structure is known, revealing two independent domains separated by a proline-rich hinge region.The C-terminal domain (OmpATb(198-326)) revealed a module structurally related to other OmpA-like proteins from Gram-negative bacteria, but the N-terminal domain(73-204), which  forms channels in planar lipid bilayers, exhibits a fold, which belongs to the α+β sandwich class fold. It exists in a major monomeric form and a minor oligomeric form yielding rings able to insert into phospholipid membranes (Yang et al. 2011).