Abstract: The adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporter (ABC transporters), as one of the largest transmembrane protein superfamilies, are found in all domains of life and highly conservative. Bacterial ABC transporters are essential for the pathogenicity of a wide range of microorganisms, and play a vital role in their adaptation to the environment and antibiotic resistance. Porphyromonas gingivalis （P. gingivalis）is a major pathogen of periodontitis, and its pathogenicity is regulated by several virulence factors. In this article, we review the structure and function of ABC transporters, and their regulation to the P. gingivalis pathogenicity.

Key words: ABC transporters, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Pathogenicity