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Updated: May 14, 2026

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Published on: September 16, 2014
Signal recognition particle: an essential protein-targeting machine
David Akopian1, Kuang Shen, Xin Zhang
1Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA.
The signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor machinery ensure proteins reach their correct cellular membranes. Recent studies reveal their interactions and a GTPase cycle driving protein targeting with high accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Protein Trafficking
Background:
- The signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor form a crucial cellular system for protein localization.
- This machinery is essential for directing newly synthesized proteins to membranes within the cell.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent mechanistic investigations of the SRP-SRP receptor system.
- To elucidate the interactions with cargo proteins and target membranes.
- To explain the novel GTPase cycle driving protein targeting.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution structural and biochemical analyses.
- Mechanistic investigations of protein-membrane interactions.
- GTPase cycle studies within the SRP-SRP receptor complex.
Main Results:
- Detailed understanding of how SRP and its receptor bind cargo proteins and target membranes.
- Elucidation of a novel GTPase cycle that powers protein targeting.
- Insights into mechanisms enhancing the fidelity of protein localization.
Conclusions:
- The SRP-SRP receptor system utilizes a sophisticated GTPase cycle for accurate protein targeting.
- Recent high-resolution studies have significantly advanced our understanding of this fundamental pathway.
- Further research is needed to address emerging questions in protein localization.
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