Structure and function of acyl carrier protein

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My research is trying to discover how acyl carrier protein (ACP), a key central protein in bacterial fatty acid synthesis, can recognize and discriminate among its multiple protein partners. These partners include over three dozen enzymes involved in synthesis of membrane lipids, toxins (eg. endotoxin), and other essential components of bacterial growth and pathogenesis. ACP must fold to enclose attached fatty acids as it carries them through the watery environment of the cell, but must then unfold to release them upon interaction with ACP-dependent enzymes. We believe that ACP is a special flexible and dynamic protein, with specific amino acids important for enzyme binding and triggering the unfolding and release of the acyl chain.