ZntB Is a Novel Zn 2+ Transporter in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

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Abstract
A Zn 2+ transport system encoded by the zntB locus of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium has been identified. The protein encoded by this locus is homologous to the CorA family of Mg 2+ transport proteins and is widely distributed among the eubacteria. Mutations at zntB confer an increased sensitivity to the cytotoxic effects of Zn 2+ and Cd 2+ , a phenotype that suggests that the encoded protein mediates the efflux of both cations. A direct analysis of transport activity identified a capacity for Zn 2+ efflux. These data identify ZntB as a zinc efflux pathway in the enteric bacteria and assign a new function to the CorA family of cation transporters.