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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Protein Sorting and Transport01:45

Overview of Protein Sorting and Transport

Eukaryotic cells have different membrane-bound organelles with distinct protein requirements. The process by which proteins are targeted to a specific organelle is called protein sorting.
Protein sorting can be of two types: signal-based sorting and vesicle-based trafficking. In signal-based sorting, specific amino acid sequences called sorting signals target proteins to the proper location inside the cell either via gated transport or by protein translocation.  In gated transport, folded...
Protein Folding01:25

Protein Folding

Proteins are chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Upon synthesis, a protein folds into a three-dimensional conformation, critical to its biological function. Interactions between its constituent amino acids guide protein folding, and hence the protein structure is primarily dependent on its amino acid sequence.
Protein Structure Is Critical to Its Biological Function
Proteins perform a wide range of biological functions such as catalyzing chemical reactions, providing...
Protein Folding01:22

Protein Folding

Overview
Nuclear Protein Sorting01:34

Nuclear Protein Sorting

Nuclear protein sorting is the selective trafficking of histones, polymerases, gene regulatory proteins into the nucleus and exporting RNAs and ribosomes to the cytosol. It is a tightly controlled process that regulates gene expression within a cell.
Proteins targeted to the nucleus carry nuclear localization signals or NLS recognized by import receptors in the cytosol. Similarly, proteins with nuclear export signals are recognized by export receptors. Import and export receptors are...
Covalently Linked Protein Regulators02:04

Covalently Linked Protein Regulators

Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
Ligand Binding Sites02:40

Ligand Binding Sites

Proteins are dynamic macromolecules that carry out a wide variety of essential processes; however, the activities of most proteins depend on their interactions with other molecules or ions, known as ligands.
Protein-ligand interactions are quite specific; even though numerous potential ligands surround a cellular protein at any given time, only a particular ligand can bind to that protein. Moreover, a ligand binds only to a dedicated area on the surface of the protein, known as the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Enriching Subcellular Proteins in Leptospira Using a Triton X-114-Based Fractionation Approach
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Surface charge: a key determinant of protein localization and function.

Neil M Goldenberg1, Benjamin E Steinberg

  • 1University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, Room 7336, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada. neil.goldenberg@utoronto.ca

Cancer Research
|February 4, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Surface electrostatic charge controls protein localization and activation, impacting cancer signaling molecules like K-ras. Dysregulation of this charge significantly affects cancer biology.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cancer research

Background:

  • Protein localization and activation are critical for cellular signaling.
  • Polycationic protein domains interact with membrane surface charges.
  • Aberrant signaling pathways are hallmarks of cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of electrostatic charge in protein localization and activation.
  • To explore the impact of surface charge dysregulation on cancer-related signaling molecules.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of protein-amino acid sequences for polycationic domains.
  • Investigating the spatiotemporal regulation of membrane surface charge.
  • Examining downstream effects on signaling molecules such as K-ras.

Main Results:

  • Electrostatic charge at the membrane surface is a key factor in protein localization and activation.
  • Spatiotemporal regulation of surface charge influences cellular processes.
  • Dysregulation of surface charge has significant downstream effects relevant to cancer biology.

Conclusions:

  • Membrane surface charge is a critical regulator of protein function.
  • Understanding surface charge dynamics is important for deciphering cancer signaling pathways.
  • Targeting electrostatic interactions may offer novel therapeutic strategies for cancer.