MlaE is a permease which in E. coli is a component of the Mla pathway, an ABC transport system that functions to maintain the asymmetry of the outer membrane [1]. In Swiss:Q7DD59 it is involved in L-glutamate import into the cell [2]. In Swiss:Q8L4R0 it is involved in lipid transfer within the cell [2].

1: An ABC transport system that maintains lipid asymmetry in the gram-negative outer membrane. Malinverni JC, Silhavy TJ; Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009;106:8009-8014. PMID:19383799

2: Identification of a meningococcal L-glutamate ABC transporter operon essential for growth in low-sodium environments. Monaco C, Tala A, Spinosa MR, Progida C, De Nitto E, Gaballo A, Bruni CB, Bucci C, Alifano P; Infect Immun. 2006;74:1725-1740. PMID:16495545

3: A permease-like protein involved in ER to thylakoid lipid transfer in Arabidopsis. Xu C, Fan J, Riekhof W, Froehlich JE, Benning C; EMBO J. 2003;22:2370-2379. PMID:12743031