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Visualization of Endoplasmic Reticulum Localized mRNAs in Mammalian Cells
Published on: December 17, 2012
Protein translocation across the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Elisabet C Mandon1, Steven F Trueman, Reid Gilmore
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605-2324, USA.
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|December 20, 2012
Summary
The rough endoplasmic reticulum is key for protein synthesis and membrane protein insertion in eukaryotic cells. Current research aims to clarify the molecular mechanisms of protein translocation and membrane integration.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is a critical organelle for protein biosynthesis in eukaryotic cells.
- It serves as the entry point for the secretory pathway.
- The RER is also the primary site for integrating most cellular integral membrane proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing protein translocation across the RER membrane.
- To understand the process of integral membrane protein integration into the RER.
Main Methods:
- Identification of core components of the protein translocation machinery.
- Obtaining high-resolution structural data of targeting factors and the transport channel.
Main Results:
- Key components of the protein translocation machinery have been identified.
- High-resolution structures of essential targeting components and the transport channel are available.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in identifying the molecular machinery for protein translocation.
- Future research will focus on the detailed molecular mechanisms of protein translocation and membrane protein integration.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Post-translational Translocation of Proteins to the RER
A sizable fraction of proteins destined for ER are first synthesized in the cell cytosol and then transported across the ER membrane–a process called post-translational translocation. Similar to cotranslationally translocated proteins, these proteins also use the Sec translocon complex to enter the ER lumen.
Targeting proteins to the ER
Hsp40 and Hsp70 chaperone molecules bind the translated proteins in the cytosol to prevent their folding. The chaperone binding helps to keep the signal...
Targeting proteins to the ER
Hsp40 and Hsp70 chaperone molecules bind the translated proteins in the cytosol to prevent their folding. The chaperone binding helps to keep the signal...
01:20Cotranslational Protein Translocation
Translocation of proteins across membranes is an ancient process that occurs even in bacteria and archaebacteria. In fact, the components of the translocation machinery are still conserved between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Sec61 channel partners for cotranslational translocation
During cotranslational translocation, the Sec61 channel partners with the signal recognition particle (SRP), the signal recognition particle receptor (SR), and the ribosomes to transport the nascent polypeptide chain...
Sec61 channel partners for cotranslational translocation
During cotranslational translocation, the Sec61 channel partners with the signal recognition particle (SRP), the signal recognition particle receptor (SR), and the ribosomes to transport the nascent polypeptide chain...
01:26Insertion of Single-pass Transmembrane Proteins in the RER
Integral membrane proteins are proteins adhered to the lipid bilayer of a cell organelle or membrane. They can be of two types: transmembrane integral proteins that span the lipid bilayer and monotopic proteins that are attached to either side of the membrane but do not pass through it.
Integral transmembrane proteins possess transmembrane and extra membrane domains. The transmembrane domains are primarily made of 20-25 hydrophobic amino acids arranged in a helical secondary confirmation. These...
Integral transmembrane proteins possess transmembrane and extra membrane domains. The transmembrane domains are primarily made of 20-25 hydrophobic amino acids arranged in a helical secondary confirmation. These...
01:34Directing Proteins to the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
The organelle-specific signaling sequences direct proteins synthesized in the cytosol to their final destination like ER, mitochondria, peroxisomes, etc. Some of the proteins directed to ER are then trafficked via vesicles to other organelles within the cell or the extracellular environment through the Golgi complex. For example, the rough ER synthesizes soluble proteins for transportation to the lysosomes or secretion out of the cell. It can also synthesize transmembrane proteins that can...
01:28Protein Translocation Machinery on the ER Membrane
The translocon complex situated on the ER membrane is the main gateway for the protein secretory pathway. It facilitates the transport of nascent peptides into the ER lumen and their insertion into the ER membrane.
Sec61 protein conducting channel
In eukaryotes, the translocon complex comprises a core heterotrimeric translocator channel called the Sec61 complex. This channel includes three transmembrane proteins, Sec61α, Sec61β, and Sec61γ, and is the largest subunit of the translocon complex.
Sec61 protein conducting channel
In eukaryotes, the translocon complex comprises a core heterotrimeric translocator channel called the Sec61 complex. This channel includes three transmembrane proteins, Sec61α, Sec61β, and Sec61γ, and is the largest subunit of the translocon complex.
01:29Insertion of Multi-pass Transmembrane Proteins in the RER
The rough ER membrane synthesizes, assembles, and embeds transmembrane proteins in diverse topologies. These proteins function as transporters or channels and can remain in the ER membrane or are sent to the Golgi complex, lysosome, and cell membrane.
The multipass transmembrane proteins are the type IV integral membrane proteins with multiple topogenic sequences determining their spatial arrangement in the ER membrane. Nearly all multipass proteins lack a cleavable signal sequence and use...
The multipass transmembrane proteins are the type IV integral membrane proteins with multiple topogenic sequences determining their spatial arrangement in the ER membrane. Nearly all multipass proteins lack a cleavable signal sequence and use...