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Related Concept Videos

Cotranslational Protein Translocation01:20

Cotranslational Protein Translocation

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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...
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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.
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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...
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Multiprotein signaling complexes are formed in a dynamic process involving protein-protein interactions at the cytoplasmic domain of transmembrane receptors or enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins associated with the receptor. These complexes ensure the activation and propagation of intracellular signals that regulate cell functions.
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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.
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Overview of Protein Sorting and Transport01:45

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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.
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Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Quantifying the Heterogeneous Distribution of a Synaptic Protein in the Mouse Brain Using Immunofluorescence
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18-kDa translocator protein association complexes in the brain: From structure to function.

Barbara Costa1, Eleonora Da Pozzo1, Claudia Martini1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.

Biochemical Pharmacology
|May 11, 2020
PubMed
Summary

The translocator protein (TSPO) is crucial for brain health and disease, impacting cholesterol transport and neurosteroid synthesis. Targeting TSPO offers potential for innovative treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Keywords:
18-kDa TSPOAnxiety disordersBrain cancerNeuroinflammationProtein associations

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is a highly conserved mitochondrial protein.
  • TSPO expression is low in healthy brains but increases in various pathological conditions.
  • TSPO plays a key role in cholesterol transport into mitochondria, influencing steroid and neurosteroid synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of TSPO's protein associations and their functions.
  • To explore recent TSPO-targeted therapeutic interventions.
  • To discuss the prospects of TSPO-targeting for mental and brain diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of TSPO functions and interactions.
  • Analysis of recent studies on TSPO-targeted therapies.
  • Discussion of therapeutic potential in neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Main Results:

  • TSPO is implicated in various cellular processes beyond cholesterol transport, including heme synthesis, apoptosis, autophagy, calcium signaling, and ROS production.
  • Numerous endogenous and synthetic molecules targeting TSPO have been identified.
  • TSPO-targeted interventions show promise for treating brain diseases.

Conclusions:

  • TSPO is a multifaceted protein with significant implications for brain health and disease.
  • Targeting TSPO represents a promising avenue for developing novel therapeutic strategies for neurological and psychiatric conditions.