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On remaining cytoplasmic
1Unité de Génétique Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
Biochimie
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Protein transport errors occur even with altered signals, and cytoplasmic proteins can be rerouted using signals. This suggests protein routing is less reliable than previously thought, prompting a re-evaluation of potential errors.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Proteins normally destined for non-cytoplasmic locations can still be transported out of the cytoplasm despite significant modifications to their signal sequences.
- Cytoplasmic proteins can be directed across cellular membranes by attaching specific routing signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the accuracy and reliability of cellular protein transport mechanisms.
- To explore the implications of potential errors in protein routing.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing published literature on protein transport and signal sequences.
- Analysis of case studies involving non-cytoplasmic and cytoplasmic protein mislocalization or forced translocation.
Main Results:
- Observed instances where non-cytoplasmic proteins retain partial export capability despite altered routing signals.
- Documented cases of cytoplasmic proteins successfully translocated across membranes via fused routing signals.
Conclusions:
- The findings challenge the presumed high fidelity of protein targeting signals.
- There is a need to consider the biological consequences of protein misrouting errors within the cell.