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Method to Visualize and Analyze Membrane Interacting Proteins by Transmission Electron Microscopy
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The hidden world of membrane microproteins

Catherine A Makarewich1

  • 1The Heart Institute and Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.

Experimental Cell Research
|January 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Newly discovered microproteins (MPs) are tiny membrane proteins less than 100 amino acids long. This review highlights their biological activities and potential in membrane biology research.

Area of Science:

  • Membrane Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Proteins are essential for cellular processes, with membrane proteins playing critical roles.
  • A diverse family of membrane proteins includes newly discovered microproteins (MPs), defined as proteins <100 amino acids.
  • MPs originate from small open reading frames (sORFs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • This review focuses on membrane-associated microproteins.
  • To highlight the significant biological activities of MPs.
  • To emphasize the potential of MPs in advancing membrane biology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent discoveries in microprotein research.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on membrane-associated microproteins.
  • Synthesis of current understanding of MP functions and biogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Microproteins represent a newly recognized class of membrane proteins.
  • MPs exhibit diverse and important biological functions.
  • Small open reading frames are a source of novel protein products.

Conclusions:

  • Membrane microproteins are emerging as key players in cellular functions.
  • Further research into MPs promises to yield significant insights into membrane biology.
  • MPs represent a promising area for future investigation and therapeutic development.
Keywords:
Membrane proteinMicropeptideMicroproteinsORF

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