Derepression of LamB protein facilitates outer membrane permeation of carbohydrates into Escherichia coli under conditions of nutrient stress

LamB protein is the general glycoporin in the Escherichia coli outer membrane. Contrary to an earlier finding, the LamB- phenotype exhibited reduced competitive abilities when cultured together with LamB+ bacteria in conditions with carbohydrate concentration as the limiting factor. Further, LamB was demonstrated to have a more extensive sugar transportfunction than mere maltosaccharide uptake.