Posttranslational modifications and subcellular localization signals: indicators of sequence regions without inherent...

Area of Science:

• Proteomics
• Bioinformatics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Vast numbers of uncharacterized protein sequences necessitate computational prediction of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and translocation signals.
• Developing accurate prediction tools is crucial for understanding protein function and cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop computational predictors for various PTMs and translocation signals, including GPI lipid anchor sites, N-myristoylation, prenylation, and PTS1 peroxisomal signals.
• To investigate the common architectural features of protein sequence signals involved in PTMs and translocation.

Main Methods:

• Development of specialized prediction algorithms for identifying specific PTM and translocation signal sites.
• Comparative analysis of the sequence and structural characteristics of identified signal sites across different modification and translocation systems.

Main Results:

• Successfully developed predictors for multiple PTMs and translocation signals.
• Identified a conserved principal architecture for these signals, typically involving a core binding motif embedded within intrinsically disordered regions.
• Observed that some signals can be cryptic, becoming functional under specific biological conditions.

Conclusions:

• The conserved architecture of PTM and translocation signals suggests underlying mechanistic constraints.
• Intrinsically disordered regions are frequently associated with PTM sites, a factor critical for structural studies.
• The potential for cryptic signals highlights the dynamic nature of protein regulation and function.