The outer-membrane componentof the multi-drug efflux system –a structural analysis based onhydrophobicity distribution

<b>Aim:</b> The structure of a multi-drug efflux system (specifically the outer membrane part) is the focus of our analysis. The role of electrostatic interactions in the efflux process is well understood. <br><b>Methods:</b> Our analysis is made possible by the application of the fuzzy oil drop model in its modified form (FOD-M). <br><b>Results:</b> The distribution of hydrophobicity in the periplasmic and membrane domains plays a significant role in both stabilisation within the membrane and in tunnel formation, which facilitates the transport of antibiotics. <br><b>Conclusions:</b> The analysis presented in this paper reveals the specificity of hydrophobicity distribution in relation to biological activity, as well as a possible mechanism for the folding process of proteins involved in multi-drug efflux.