Abstract
Allosteric regulation of several sugar transport systems such as those specific for lactose, maltose and melibiose in Escherichia coli (inducer exclusion) is mediated by the glucose-specific enzyme IIA (IIAGlc) of the phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS). Deletion mutations in the cytoplasmic N and C termini of the lactose permease protein, LacY, and replacement of all cysteine residues in LacY with other residues did not prevent IIAGlc-mediated inhibition of lactose uptake, but several point and insertional mutations in the central cytoplasmic loop of this permease abolished transport regulation and IIAGlc binding. The results substantiate the conclusion that regulation of the lactose permease in E. coli by the PTS is mediated by a primary interaction of IIAGlc with the central cytoplasmic loop of the permease.