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The surprising complexity of signal sequences.
Ramanujan S Hegde1, Harris D Bernstein
1Cell Biology and Metabolism Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. hegder@mail.nih.gov
Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|August 22, 2006
Summary
Signal sequences are not simple but contain specific information for protein targeting and biogenesis. These sequences, embedded in conserved domains, dictate pathway choice, translocation efficiency, and cleavage timing.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Protein Trafficking
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Secreted and membrane proteins utilize N-terminal signal sequences for targeting.
- Previously, signal sequences were considered simple and interchangeable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the traditional view of signal sequences.
- To highlight the complex and specific roles of signal sequences in protein biogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of recent experimental studies.
- Analysis of sequence elements and domain structures.
Main Results:
- Signal sequences contain specific information beyond simple targeting.
- These sequences influence pathway choice, translocation efficiency, and cleavage timing.
- Signal sequences play crucial roles in modulating protein biogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Signal sequences are not degenerate but possess specific, physiologically important functions.
- Substrate-specific elements within conserved domains define signal sequence functionality.