Function
Flocculation protein or flocculin (FLO) are yeast adhesion protein family involved in cell-cell adhesion via lectin-carbohydrate interaction[1]. FLO1, FLO5, FLO9 and FLO10 have similar sequence and cause formation of cellular clumps (flocs) while FLO11 has unrelated sequence and is required for diploid formation and haploid invasive growth. Flocculins confer calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion, formation of cellular flocs and protection against environmental stress.
Relevance
The process of flocculation has an important role in the production of beer and wine[2].
Structural highlights
The N-terminal domain of FLO is similar to the lectin-like domain of Adhesin. The Ca+2 ion binds to two carbohydrate-binding groups: a DcisD motif - 2 Asp residues connected with a cis bond and another β strand residues. The Ca+2 ion interacts with α-mannose which is an antiflocculant in vivo[3]. .
3D structures of flocculation protein
Flocculation protein 3D structures
