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Signal sequence processing in rough microsomes.

Secretory proteins are synthesized with a signal sequence that is usually cleaved from the nascent protein during the translocation of the polypeptide chain into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. To determine the fate of a cleaved signal sequence, we used a synchronized in vitro translocation system. We found that the cleaved signal peptide of preprolactin is further processed close to its COOH terminus. The resulting fragment accumulated in the microsomal fraction and with time was released into the cytosol. Signal sequence cleavage and processing could be reproduced with reconstituted vesicles containing Sec61, signal recognition particle receptor, and signal peptidase complex.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A hydrophobic region locating at the center of fibroblast growth factor-9 is crucial for its secretion.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-9 is a glycosylated neurotrophic polypeptide highly expressed in brain. The mechanism for its secretion from expressing cells is unclear, because its primary structure lacks a cleavable signal sequence. We, therefore, investigated the mechanism and structural requirements for secretion of FGF-9. As with other secreted proteins, in vitro translation of FGF-9 was inhibited by signal recognition particle, which binds to the signal sequence. When translated in vitro, full-length FGF-9 was translocated into microsomes, glycosylated, and protected from trypsin digestion. By using various FGF-9 deletion mutants, we found that two hydrophobic domains, located at the N terminus and at the center of the FGF-9 primary structure, were crucial for translocation. Examination of various point mutants revealed that local hydrophobicity of the central hydrophobic domain, but not the N terminus, was crucial for translocation. Analogous results were obtained with respect to FGF-9 secretion from transfectant cells. Upon deletion of the complete sequence preceding it, the previously uncleavable hydrophobic domain appeared to serve as a cleavable signal sequence. Our results suggest that nascent FGF-9 polypeptides translocate into endoplasmic reticulum without peptide cleavage via a co-translational pathway in which both the N terminus and the central hydrophobic domain are important; thereafter, FGF-9 is glycosylated and secreted.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Selective SecA association with signal sequences in ribosome-bound nascent chains: a potential role for SecA in ribosome targeting to the bacterial membrane.

The role of SecA in selecting bacterial proteins for export was examined using a heterologous system that lacks endogenous SecA and other bacterial proteins. This approach allowed us to assess the interaction of SecA with ribosome-bound photoreactive nascent chains in the absence of trigger factor, SecB, Ffh (the bacterial protein component of the signal recognition particle), and the SecYEG translocon in the bacterial plasma membrane. In the absence of membranes, SecA photocross-linked efficiently to nascent translocation substrate OmpA in ribosome-nascent chain (RNC) complexes in an interaction that was independent of both ATP and SecB. However, no photocross-linking to a nascent membrane protein that is normally targeted by a signal recognition particle was observed. Modification of the signal sequence revealed that its affinity for SecA and Ffh varied inversely. Gel filtration showed that SecA binds tightly to both translating and non-translating ribosomes. When purified SecA.RNC complexes containing nascent OmpA were exposed to inner membrane vesicles lacking functional SecA, the nascent chains were successfully targeted to SecYEG translocons. However, purified RNCs lacking SecA were unable to target to the same membranes. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that cytosolic SecA participates in the selection of proteins for export by co-translationally binding to the signal sequences of non-membrane proteins and directing those nascent chains to the translocon.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Association of protein biogenesis factors at the yeast ribosomal tunnel exit is affected by the translational status and nascent polypeptide sequence.

Ribosome-associated protein biogenesis factors (RPBs) act during a short but critical period of protein biogenesis. The action of RPBs starts as soon as a nascent polypeptide becomes accessible from the outside of the ribosome and ends upon termination of translation. In yeast, RPBs include the chaperones Ssb1/2 and ribosome-associated complex, signal recognition particle, nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC), the aminopeptidases Map1 and Map2, and the Nalpha-terminal acetyltransferase NatA. Here, we provide the first comprehensive analysis of RPB binding at the yeast ribosomal tunnel exit as a function of translational status and polypeptide sequence. We measured the ratios of RPBs to ribosomes in yeast cells and determined RPB occupation of translating and non-translating ribosomes. The combined results imply a requirement for dynamic and coordinated interactions at the tunnel exit. Exclusively, NAC was associated with the majority of ribosomes regardless of their translational status. All other RPBs occupied only ribosomal subpopulations, binding with increased apparent affinity to randomly translating ribosomes as compared with non-translating ones. Analysis of RPB interaction with homogenous ribosome populations engaged in the translation of specific nascent polypeptides revealed that the affinities of Ssb1/2, NAC, and, as expected, signal recognition particle, were influenced by the amino acid sequence of the nascent polypeptide. Complementary cross-linking data suggest that not only affinity of RPBs to the ribosome but also positioning can be influenced in a nascent polypeptide-dependent manner.

Cross-Linking Reagents↗

The crystal structure of the conserved GTPase of SRP54 from the archaeon Acidianus ambivalens and its comparison with related structures suggests a model for the SRP-SRP receptor complex.

BACKGROUND: Protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum in eukaryotes and to the cell membrane in prokaryotes is mediated by the signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor (SR). Both contain conserved GTPase domains in the signal-peptide-binding proteins (SRP54 and Ffh) and the SR proteins (SRalpha and FtsY). These GTPases are involved in the regulation of protein targeting. Most studies so far have focussed on the SRP machinery of mammals and bacteria, leaving the SRP system of archaea less well understood. RESULTS: We report the crystal structure of the conserved GTPase (NG-Ffh) from the thermophilic archaeon Acidianus ambivalens at 2.0 A resolution and of the Thr112-->Ala mutant, which is inactive in GTP hydrolysis. This is the first structure of an SRP component from an archaeon and allows for a detailed comparison with related structures from Escherichia coli and thermophilic bacteria. In particular, differences in the conserved consensus regions for nucleotide binding and the subdomain interfaces are observed, which provide information about the regulation of the GTPase. These interactions allow us to propose a common signalling mechanism for the SRP-SR system. CONCLUSIONS: The overall structure of SRP-GTPases is well conserved between bacteria and archaea, which indicates strong similarities in the regulation of the SRP-targeting pathway. Surprisingly, structure comparisons identified a homodimeric ATP-binding protein as the closest relative. A heterodimer model for the SRP-SR interaction is presented.

Archaea↗

Immunochemical analysis of rough and smooth microsomes from rat liver. Segregation of docking protein in rough membranes.

Docking protein (or signal recognition particle receptor) is an integral membrane protein essential for translocation of nascent polypeptides across the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. It serves as the receptor for the signal recognition particle, and represents the site of interaction between the translation and the translocation systems. Results presented here demonstrate that this protein is localized exclusively in rough microsomal membranes. Rough and smooth microsomes were prepared and their content of various marker proteins was determined by immunochemical techniques. Whereas a number of proteins, including cytochromes b5 and P-450 and their reductases were evenly distributed between rough and smooth microsomes, docking protein was found at 20-fold higher levels in the rough fraction. On the basis of these results it is concluded that docking protein is a functionally characterized integral protein specifically restricted to rough microsomal membranes.

Animals↗

Genetic and biochemical analysis of the fission yeast ribonucleoprotein particle containing a homolog of Srp54p.

Mammalian signal recognition particle (SRP), a complex of six polypeptides and one 7SL RNA molecule, is required for targeting nascent presecretory proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Earlier work identified a Schizosaccharomyces pombe homolog of human SRP RNA and showed that it is a component of a particle similar in size and biochemical properties to mammalian SRP. The recent cloning of the gene encoding a fission yeast protein homologous to Srp54p has made possible further characterization of the subunit structure, subcellular distribution, and assembly of fission yeast SRP. S. pombe SRP RNA and Srp54p co-sediment on a sucrose velocity gradient and coimmunoprecipitate, indicating that they reside in the same complex. In vitro assays demonstrate that fission yeast Srp54p binds under stringent conditions to E. coli SRP RNA, which consists essentially of domain IV, but not to the full-length cognate RNA nor to an RNA in which domain III has been deleted in an effort to mirror the structure of bacterial homologs. Moreover, the association of S. pombe Srp54p with SRP RNA in vivo is disrupted by conditional mutations not only in domain IV, which contains its binding site, but in domains I and III, suggesting that the particle may assemble cooperatively. The growth defects conferred by mutations throughout SRP RNA can be suppressed by overexpression of Srp54p, and the degree to which growth is restored correlates inversely with the severity of the reduction in protein binding. Conditional mutations in SRP RNA also reduce its sedimentation with the ribosome/membrane pellet during cell fractionation. Finally, immunoprecipitation under native conditions of an SRP-enriched fraction from [35S]-labeled fission yeast cells suggests that five additional polypeptides are complexed with Srp54p; each of these proteins is similar in size to a constituent of mammalian SRP, implying that the subunit structure of this ribonucleoprotein is conserved over vast evolutionary distances.

Base Sequence↗

Signal recognition-like particles are present in maize.

We show that maize storage protein translocation across microsomal membranes is mediated by signal recognition particles (SRPs) similar to those described in animal systems (Dobberstein, B. (1978) Hoppe-Seyler's Z. Physiol. Chem. 252, 955-962; Walter, P., and Blobel, G. (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 77, 7112-7116). We have prepared a high salt extract from endosperm cell homogenates, from which a ribosome-free fraction was obtained. This fraction is enriched in an SRP-like factor which apparently corresponds to a ribonucleoprotein particle that sediments at about 12 S. The RNA moiety of this 12 S particle is complex, showing a three-band electrophoretic pattern and sedimenting at about 8 S. The fraction restores translocation competence of salt-washed maize microsomes as tested by using a pre-zein message. In contrast to canine SRPs, the maize SRP-like component does not cause a translation arrest of maize storage proteins (zein) in a wheat germ cell-free system.

Animals↗

Isolation of a novel member of small G protein superfamily and its expression in colon cancer.

AIM: APMCF1 is a novel human gene whose transcripts are up-regulated in apoptotic MCF-7 cells. In order to learn more about this gene's function in other tumors, we cloned its full length cDNA and prepared its polyclonal antibody to investigate its expression in colon cancers with immunohistochemistry. METHODS: With the method of 5' rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE) and EST assembled in GenBank, we extended the length of APMCF1 at 5' end. Then the sequence encoding the APMCF1 protein was amplified by RT-PCR from the total RNA of apoptotic MCF-7 cells and cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pGEX-KG to construct recombinant expression vector pGEX-APMCF1. The GST-APMCF1 fusion protein was expressed in E. coli and used to immunize rabbits to get the rabbit anti-APMCF1 serum. The specificity of polyclonal anti-APMCF1 antibody was determined by Western blot. Then we investigated the expression of Apmcf1 in colon cancers and normal colonic mucosa with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A cDNA fragment with a length of 1 745 bp was obtained. APMCF1 was mapped to chromosome 3q22.2 and spanned at least 14.8 kb of genomic DNA with seven exons and six introns contained. Bioinformatic analysis showed the protein encoded by APMCF1 contained a small GTP-binding protein (G proteins) domain and was homologous to mouse signal recognition particle receptor beta(SRbeta). A coding region covering 816 bp was cloned and polyclonal anti-APMCF1 antibody was prepared successfully. The immunohistochemistry study showed that APMCF1 had a strong expression in colon cancer. CONCLUSION: APMCF1 may be the gene coding human signal recognition particle receptor beta and belongs to the small-G protein superfamily. Its strong expression pattern in colon cancer suggests it may play a role in colon cancer development.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Assembly strategies and GTPase regulation of the eukaryotic and Escherichia coil translocons.

The translocation of most proteins across the endoplasmic reticulum or bacterial inner membrane occurs through an aqueous pore that spans the membrane. Substrates that are translocated co-translationally across the membrane are directed to the translocation pore via an interaction between the cytosolic signal recognition particle and its membrane-bound receptor. Together the translocation pore and the receptor are referred to as a translocon. By studying the biogenesis of the translocon a number of alternate targeting and membrane-integration pathways have been discovered that operate independently of the signal recognition particle (SRP) pathway. The novel assembly strategies of the translocon and the ways in which these components interact to ensure the fidelity and unidirectionality of the targeting and translocation process are reviewed here.

Animals↗

Down-regulation of 7SL RNA expression and impairment of vesicular protein transport pathways by Leishmania infection of macrophages.

The parasitic protozoan Leishmania specifically manipulates the expression of host macrophage genes during initial interactions, as revealed by mRNA differential display reverse transcription-PCR and cDNA microarray analyses. The genes that are down-regulated in mouse (J774G8) or human (U937) macrophages upon exposure to Leishmania include small RNA transcripts from the short interspersed element sequences. Among the short interspersed element RNAs that are down-regulated is 7SL RNA, which is the RNA component of the signal recognition particle. Because the microbicidal functions of macrophages profoundly count on vesicular protein transport processes, down-regulation of 7SL RNA may be significant in the establishment of infection by Leishmania in macrophage phagolysosomes. To evaluate whether down-regulation of 7SL RNA results in inhibition of signal recognition particle-mediated vesicular protein transport processes, we have tested and found that the targeting of proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane and the secretion of proteins by macrophages are compromised in Leishmania-infected J774G8 and U937 cells. Knocking down 7SL RNA using small interfering RNA mimicked the effect of exposure of macrophages to Leishmania. The overexpression of 7SL RNA in J774G8 or U937 cells made these cells resistant to Leishmania infection, suggesting the possible biological significance of down-regulation of 7SL RNA synthesis in the establishment of infection by Leishmania. We conclude that Leishmania down-regulates 7SL RNA in macrophages to manipulate the targeting of many proteins that use the vesicular transport pathway and thus favors its successful establishment of infection in macrophages.

Animals↗

Pathways for compartmentalizing protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells: the template-partitioning model.

mRNAs encoding signal sequences are translated on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) -- bound ribosomes, whereas mRNAs encoding cytosolic proteins are translated on cytosolic ribosomes. The partitioning of mRNAs to the ER occurs by positive selection; cytosolic ribosomes engaged in the translation of signal-sequence-bearing proteins are engaged by the signal-recognition particle (SRP) pathway and subsequently trafficked to the ER. Studies have demonstrated that, in addition to the SRP pathway, mRNAs encoding cytosolic proteins can also be partitioned to the ER, suggesting that RNA partitioning in the eukaryotic cell is a complex process requiring the activity of multiple RNA-partitioning pathways. In this review, key findings on this topic are discussed, and the template-partitioning model, describing a hypothetical mechanism for RNA partitioning in the eukaryotic cell, is proposed.

Animals↗

Membrane insertion, processing, and topology of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in microsomal membranes.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cAMP-regulated C1(-) channel. Malfunction of CFTR causes cystic fibrosis (CF). CFTR belongs to an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily which includes P-glycoprotein (Pgp), the molecule that is responsible for multidrug resistance in cancer cells. P-glycoprotein molecules have been suggested to have more than one topology and function. In this study, we analysed the early stages of membrane insertion, processing, and topology of human CFTR using rabbit reticulocyte lysate and wheat germ extract translation systems supplemented with canine pancreatic microsomal membranes. Our results suggest that CFTR contains an uncleavable signal sequence and its membrane targeting and insertion may depend on the signal recognition particle (SRP) and SRP receptor. The topology of CFTR in microsomal membranes is the same as the one predicted based on hydropathy plot analysis. These results, together with our previous findings on Pgp, indicate that (1) the topologies of mammalian ABC transporters can be dissected and studied using protein fusion chimeras in a cell-tree system; and (2) the membrane targeting and insertion of CFTR and Pgp may take the same pathway, i.e., the SRP-dependent pathway, but the membrane folding mechanism of these two proteins in microsomal membranes is probably different.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Protein translocation across and integration into membranes.

This review concentrates mainly on the translocation of proteins across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and cytoplasmic membrane in bacteria. It will start with a short historical review and will pinpoint the crucial questions in the field. Special emphasis will be given to the present knowledge on the molecular details of the first steps, i.e., on the function of the signal recognition particle and its receptor. The knowledge on the signal peptidase and the ribosome receptor(s) will also be summarized. The various models for the translocation of proteins across and the integration of proteins into membranes will be critically discussed. In particular, the function of signal, stop-transfer, and insertion sequences will be dealt with and molecular differences discussed. The cotranslational mode of membrane transfer will be compared with the post-translational transport found for mitochondria and chloroplasts. This review will conclude with open questions and an outlook.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The Escherichia coli SRP and SecB targeting pathways converge at the translocon.

Two distinct protein targeting pathways can direct proteins to the Escherichia coli inner membrane. The Sec pathway involves the cytosolic chaperone SecB that binds to the mature region of pre-proteins. SecB targets the pre-protein to SecA that mediates pre-protein translocation through the SecYEG translocon. The SRP pathway is probably used primarily for the targeting and assembly of inner membrane proteins. It involves the signal recognition particle (SRP) that interacts with the hydrophobic targeting signal of nascent proteins. By using a protein cross-linking approach, we demonstrate here that the SRP pathway delivers nascent inner membrane proteins at the membrane. The SRP receptor FtsY, GTP and inner membranes are required for release of the nascent proteins from the SRP. Upon release of the SRP at the membrane, the targeted nascent proteins insert into a translocon that contains at least SecA, SecY and SecG. Hence, as appears to be the case for several other translocation systems, multiple targeting mechanisms deliver a variety of precursor proteins to a common membrane translocation complex of the E.coli inner membrane.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

The carboxy-terminal 10 amino acid residues of cytochrome b5 are necessary for its targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Cytochrome b5 is an integral membrane protein located on the outer surface of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This cytochrome is considered to be synthesized on free ribosomes and to be inserted post-translationally into the ER membrane, without participation of a signal recognition particle. To elucidate the signal responsible for targeting of cytochrome b5 to the ER membrane in vivo, DNAs encoding various derivatives of the cytochrome were constructed and introduced into cultured mammalian COS cells, and the subcellular distributions of the derivatives expressed in the cells were then analyzed. The deletion of more than 11 amino acid residues at the carboxy-terminal end of cytochrome b5 abolished the targeting and anchoring of the cytochrome to the ER membrane. Fusion proteins consisting of the carboxy-terminal 10 amino acid residues of cytochrome b5 and passenger proteins with the hydrophobic portion could be localized in the ER membrane. Thus, the last 10 amino acid residues of cytochrome b5 carry information necessary for the cytochrome to be targeted to the ER membrane.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 4B is an integral endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 4B (NS4B) is a relatively hydrophobic 27-kDa protein of unknown function. A tetracycline-regulated gene expression system, a novel monoclonal antibody, and in vitro transcription-translation were employed to investigate the subcellular localization and to characterize the membrane association of this viral protein. When expressed individually or in the context of the entire HCV polyprotein, NS4B was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as shown by subcellular fractionation, immunofluorescence analyses, and double-label confocal laser scanning microscopy. In this compartment NS4B colocalized with the other HCV nonstructural proteins. Association of NS4B with the ER membrane occurred cotranslationally, presumably via engagement of the signal recognition particle by an internal signal sequence. In membrane extraction and proteinase protection assays NS4B displayed properties of a cytoplasmically oriented integral membrane protein. Taken together, our findings suggest that NS4B is a component of a membrane-associated cytoplasmic HCV replication complex. An efficient replication system will be essential to further define the role of NS4B in the viral life cycle.

Animals↗

Changes in levels of pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum proteins that function in translocation and maturation of secretory proteins in response to cholecystokinin.

Two pathways operate to target newly-synthesised proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum. In one, the signal recognition particle attaches to the signal sequences of nascent chains on ribosomes and slows or stops translation until contact is made with the docking protein at the membrane. The second operates via molecular chaperons. The pathways converge at the level of a 43 kDa signal binding protein integrated into the membrane, where translocation through a proteinaceous pore is initiated. In the lumen, proteins fold and disulphide formation is catalysed by the enzyme protein disulphide isomerase. The heavy chain binding protein may attach to unassembled or unfolded proteins and prevent their exit from the ER to the Golgi. Cholecystokinin (CCK) treatment increases the biosynthesis and secretion of pancreatic proteins, increases the levels of PDI and the 43 kDa binding protein, and reduces levels of BiP. These proteins may be possible targets for genetic manipulation to improve processing of heterologous proteins from cultured mammalian cells.

Acids↗