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Results for “Signal Recognition Particle”

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PubMed1993

GTP binding and hydrolysis by the signal recognition particle during initiation of protein translocation.

The signal recognition particle (SRP) consists of one RNA and six protein subunits. The N-terminal domain of the 54K subunit contains a putative GTP-binding site, whereas the C-terminal domain binds signal sequences and SRP RNA. Binding of SRP to the signal sequence as it emerges from the ribosome creates a cytosolic targeting complex containing the nascent polypeptide chain, the translating ribosome, and SRP. This complex is directed to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane as a result of its interaction with the SRP receptor, a membrane protein composed of two subunits, SR alpha and SR beta, each of which also contains a GTP-binding domain. In the presence of GTP, SRP receptor binding to SRP causes the latter to dissociate from both the signal sequence and the ribosome. GTP is then hydrolysed so that SRP can be released from the SRP receptor and returned to the cytosol. Here we show that the 54K subunit (M(r) 54,000) of SRP (SRP54) is a GTP-binding protein stabilized in a nucleotide-free state by signal sequences, and that the SRP receptor both increases the affinity of SRP54 for GTP and activates its GTPase. We propose that nucleotide-mediated conformational changes in SRP54 regulate the release of signal sequences and the docking of ribosomes at the endoplasmic reticulum.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1997

Nascent membrane and presecretory proteins synthesized in Escherichia coli associate with signal recognition particle and trigger factor.

The Escherichia coli signal recognition particle (SRP) and trigger factor are cytoplasmic factors that interact with short nascent polypeptides of presecretory and membrane proteins produced in a heterologous in vitro translation system. In this study, we use an E. coli in vitro translation system in combination with bifunctional cross-linking reagents to investigate these interactions in more detail in a homologous environment. Using this approach, the direct interaction of SRP with nascent polypeptides that expose particularly hydrophobic targeting signals is demonstrated, suggesting that inner membrane proteins are the primary physiological substrate of the E. coli SRP. Evidence is presented that the overproduction of proteins that expose hydrophobic polypeptide stretches, titrates SRP. In addition, trigger factor is efficiently cross-linked to nascent polypeptides of different length and nature, some as short as 57 amino acid residues, indicating that it is positioned near the nascent chain exit site on the E. coli ribosome.

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed2004

Identification and comparative analysis of components from the signal recognition particle in protozoa and fungi.

BACKGROUND: The signal recognition particle (SRP) is a ribonucleoprotein complex responsible for targeting proteins to the ER membrane. The SRP of metazoans is well characterized and composed of an RNA molecule and six polypeptides. The particle is organized into the S and Alu domains. The Alu domain has a translational arrest function and consists of the SRP9 and SRP14 proteins bound to the terminal regions of the SRP RNA. So far, our understanding of the SRP and its evolution in lower eukaryotes such as protozoa and yeasts has been limited. However, genome sequences of such organisms have recently become available, and we have now analyzed this information with respect to genes encoding SRP components. RESULTS: A number of SRP RNA and SRP protein genes were identified by an analysis of genomes of protozoa and fungi. The sequences and secondary structures of the Alu portion of the RNA were found to be highly variable. Furthermore, proteins SRP9/14 appeared to be absent in certain species. Comparative analysis of the SRP RNAs from different Saccharomyces species resulted in models which contain features shared between all SRP RNAs, but also a new secondary structure element in SRP RNA helix 5. Protein SRP21, previously thought to be present only in Saccharomyces, was shown to be a constituent of additional fungal genomes. Furthermore, SRP21 was found to be related to metazoan and plant SRP9, suggesting that the two proteins are functionally related. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of a number of not previously annotated SRP components show that the SRP Alu domain is subject to a more rapid evolution than the other parts of the molecule. For instance, the RNA portion is highly variable and the protein SRP9 seems to have evolved into the SRP21 protein in fungi. In addition, we identified a secondary structure element in the Saccharomyces RNA that has been inserted close to the Alu region. Together, these results provide important clues as to the structure, function and evolution of SRP.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2006

Human autoantibodies against the 54 kDa protein of the signal recognition particle block function at multiple stages.

The 54 kDa subunit of the signal recognition particle (SRP54) binds to the signal sequences of nascent secretory and membrane proteins and it contributes to the targeting of these precursors to the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). At the ER membrane, the binding of the signal recognition particle (SRP) to its receptor triggers the release of SRP54 from its bound signal sequence and the nascent polypeptide is transferred to the Sec61 translocon for insertion into, or translocation across, the ER membrane. In the current article, we have characterized the specificity of anti-SRP54 autoantibodies, which are highly characteristic of polymyositis patients, and investigated the effect of these autoantibodies on the SRP function in vitro. We found that the anti-SRP54 autoantibodies had a pronounced and specific inhibitory effect upon the translocation of the secretory protein preprolactin when analysed using a cell-free system. Our mapping studies showed that the anti-SRP54 autoantibodies bind to the amino-terminal SRP54 N-domain and to the central SRP54 G-domain, but do not bind to the carboxy-terminal M-domain that is known to bind ER signal sequences. Nevertheless, anti-SRP54 autoantibodies interfere with signal-sequence binding to SRP54, most probably by steric hindrance. When the effect of anti-SRP autoantibodies on protein targeting the ER membrane was further investigated, we found that the autoantibodies prevent the SRP receptor-mediated release of ER signal sequences from the SRP54 subunit. This observation supports a model where the binding of the homologous GTPase domains of SRP54 and the alpha-subunit of the SRP receptor to each other regulates the release of ER signal sequences from the SRP54 M-domain.

Antibody Specificity↗

PubMed1999

SecA is required for the insertion of inner membrane proteins targeted by the Escherichia coli signal recognition particle.

Recent work has demonstrated that the signal recognition particle (SRP) is required for the efficient insertion of many proteins into the Escherichia coli inner membrane (IM). Based on an analogy to eukaryotic SRP, it is likely that bacterial SRP binds to inner membrane proteins (IMPs) co-translationally and then targets them to protein transport channels ("translocons"). Here we present evidence that SecA, which has previously been shown to facilitate the export of proteins targeted in a post-translational fashion, is also required for the membrane insertion of proteins targeted by SRP. The introduction of SecA mutations into strains that have modest SRP deficiencies produced a synthetic lethal effect, suggesting that SecA and SRP might function in the same biochemical pathway. Consistent with this explanation, depletion of SecA by inactivating a temperature-sensitive amber suppressor in a secAam strain completely blocked the membrane insertion of AcrB, a protein that is targeted by SRP. In the absence of substantial SecA, pulse-labeled AcrB was retained in the cytoplasm even after a prolonged chase period and was eventually degraded. Although protein export was also severely impaired by SecA depletion, the observation that more than 20% of the OmpA molecules were translocated properly showed that translocons were still active. Taken together, these results imply that SecA plays a much broader role in the transport of proteins across the E. coli IM than has been previously recognized.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed1994

Subunits of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae signal recognition particle required for its functional expression.

The signal recognition particle (SRP) is an evolutionarily conserved ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex that functions in protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Only two protein subunits of the SRP, Srp54p and Sec65p, and the RNA subunit, scR1, were previously known in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Purification of yeast SRP by immunoaffinity chromatography revealed five additional proteins. Amino acid sequencing and cloning of the genes encoding four of these proteins demonstrated that the yeast SRP contains homologs (termed Srp14p, Srp68p and Srp72p) of the SRP14, SRP68 and SRP72 subunits found in mammalian SRP. The yeast SRP also contains a 21 kDa protein (termed Srp21p) that is not homologous to any protein in mammalian SRP. An additional 7 kDa protein may correspond to the mammalian SRP9. Disruption of any one of the four genes encoding the newly identified SRP proteins results in slow cell growth and inefficient protein translocation across the ER membrane. These phenotypes are indistinguishable from those resulting from the disruption of genes encoding SRP components identified previously. These data indicate that a lack of any of the analyzed SRP components results in loss of SRP function. ScR1 RNA and SRP proteins are at reduced levels in cells lacking any one of the newly identified proteins. In contrast, SRP components are present at near wild type levels and SRP subparticles are present in cells lacking either Srp54p or Sec65p. Thus Srp14p, Srp21p, Srp68p and Srp72p, but not Sec65p or Srp54p, are required for stable expression of the yeast SRP.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2003

Basic amino acids in a distinct subset of signal peptides promote interaction with the signal recognition particle.

Previous studies have demonstrated that signal peptides bind to the signal recognition particle (SRP) primarily via hydrophobic interactions with the 54-kDa protein subunit. The crystal structure of the conserved SRP ribonucleoprotein core, however, raised the surprising possibility that electrostatic interactions between basic amino acids in signal peptides and the phosphate backbone of SRP RNA may also play a role in signal sequence recognition. To test this possibility we examined the degree to which basic amino acids in a signal peptide influence the targeting of two Escherichia coli proteins, maltose binding protein and OmpA. Whereas both proteins are normally targeted to the inner membrane by SecB, we found that replacement of their native signal peptides with another moderately hydrophobic but unusually basic signal peptide (DeltaEspP) rerouted them into the SRP pathway. Reduction in either the net positive charge or the hydrophobicity of the DeltaEspP signal peptide decreased the effectiveness of SRP recognition. A high degree of hydrophobicity, however, compensated for the loss of basic residues and restored SRP binding. Taken together, the data suggest that the formation of salt bridges between SRP RNA and basic amino acids facilitates the binding of a distinct subset of signal peptides whose hydrophobicity falls slightly below a threshold level.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1998

Crystal structure of the signal sequence binding subunit of the signal recognition particle.

The crystal structure of the signal sequence binding subunit of the signal recognition particle (SRP) from Thermus aquaticus reveals a deep groove bounded by a flexible loop and lined with side chains of conserved hydrophobic residues. The groove defines a flexible, hydrophobic environment that is likely to contribute to the structural plasticity necessary for SRP to bind signal sequences of different lengths and amino acid sequence. The structure also reveals a helix-turn-helix motif containing an arginine-rich alpha helix that is required for binding to SRP RNA and is implicated in forming the core of an extended RNA binding surface.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Signal recognition particle Alu domain occupies a defined site at the ribosomal subunit interface upon signal sequence recognition.

The eukaryotic signal recognition particle (SRP) is essential for cotranslational targeting of proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The SRP Alu domain is specifically required for delaying nascent chain elongation upon signal sequence recognition by SRP and was therefore proposed to interact directly with ribosomes. Using protein cross-linking, we provide experimental evidence that the Alu binding protein SRP14 is in close physical proximity of several ribosomal proteins in functional complexes. Cross-linking occurs even in the absence of a signal sequence in the nascent chain demonstrating that SRP can bind to all translating ribosomes and that close contacts between the Alu domain and the ribosome are independent of elongation arrest activity. Without a signal sequence, SRP14 cross-links predominantly to a protein of the large subunit. Upon signal sequence recognition, certain cross-linked products become detectable or more abundant revealing a change in the Alu domain-ribosome interface. At this stage, the Alu domain of SRP is located at the ribosomal subunit interface since SRP14 can be cross-linked to proteins from the large and small ribosomal subunits. Hence, these studies reveal differential modes of SRP-ribosome interactions mediated by the Alu domain.

Alu Elements↗

PubMed2006

Structure of the E. coli signal recognition particle bound to a translating ribosome.

The prokaryotic signal recognition particle (SRP) targets membrane proteins into the inner membrane. It binds translating ribosomes and screens the emerging nascent chain for a hydrophobic signal sequence, such as the transmembrane helix of inner membrane proteins. If such a sequence emerges, the SRP binds tightly, allowing the SRP receptor to lock on. This assembly delivers the ribosome-nascent chain complex to the protein translocation machinery in the membrane. Using cryo-electron microscopy and single-particle reconstruction, we obtained a 16 A structure of the Escherichia coli SRP in complex with a translating E. coli ribosome containing a nascent chain with a transmembrane helix anchor. We also obtained structural information on the SRP bound to an empty E. coli ribosome. The latter might share characteristics with a scanning SRP complex, whereas the former represents the next step: the targeting complex ready for receptor binding. High-resolution structures of the bacterial ribosome and of the bacterial SRP components are available, and their fitting explains our electron microscopic density. The structures reveal the regions that are involved in complex formation, provide insight into the conformation of the SRP on the ribosome and indicate the conformational changes that accompany high-affinity SRP binding to ribosome nascent chain complexes upon recognition of the signal sequence.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1997

The crystal structure of the signal recognition particle Alu RNA binding heterodimer, SRP9/14.

The mammalian signal recognition particle (SRP) is an 11S cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein that plays an essential role in protein sorting. SRP recognizes the signal sequence of the nascent polypeptide chain emerging from the ribosome, and targets the ribosome-nascent chain-SRP complex to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The SRP consists of six polypeptides (SRP9, SRP14, SRP19, SRP54, SRP68 and SRP72) and a single 300 nucleotide RNA molecule. SRP9 and SRP14 proteins form a heterodimer that binds to the Alu domain of SRP RNA which is responsible for translation arrest. We report the first crystal structure of a mammalian SRP protein, that of the mouse SRP9/14 heterodimer, determined at 2.5 A resolution. SRP9 and SRP14 are found to be structurally homologous, containing the same alpha-beta-beta-beta-alpha fold. This we designate the Alu binding module (Alu bm), an additional member of the family of small alpha/beta RNA binding domains. The heterodimer has pseudo 2-fold symmetry and is saddle like, comprising a strongly curved six-stranded amphipathic beta-sheet with the four helices packed on the convex side and the exposed concave surface being lined with positively charged residues.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1988

Isolation and characterization of a cDNA clone encoding the 19 kDa protein of signal recognition particle (SRP): expression and binding to 7SL RNA.

Signal recognition particle (SRP) consists of a 7SL RNA molecule and 6 protein subunits. We have isolated and characterized cDNA clones from human liver which encode the 19kDa protein subunit (SRP19). This subunit binds to the RNA directly and mediates binding of a second polypeptide, the 54kDa subunit which is involved in signal sequence recognition. Amino acid sequences deduced from the human cDNA sequence were identical to amino acid sequences of tryptic peptides from canine pancreatic SRP19. In vitro transcription and translation of the human cDNA resulted in a protein product the same size as canine SRP19 which could be immunoprecipitated by an antiserum raised against canine SRP19. SRP19 synthesized in a cell-free system specifically bound to 7SL RNA. The sequence of SRP19 is discussed with respect to its binding to 7SL RNA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1986

Human autoantibodies reactive with the signal-recognition particle.

We describe autoantibodies reactive with the signal-recognition particle (SRP) in serum of a patient with polymyositis. The serum specifically immunoprecipitated the SRP from human erythroleukemia (K562) cell extracts. Analysis of immunoblots revealed that the serum contained autoantibodies specific for the 54-kDa protein of the SRP but had little or no reactivity with its other five proteins. Indirect immunofluorescence of human laryngeal carcinoma (HEp-2) cells confirmed that the ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitated by this serum is found mainly in the cytoplasm. This autoimmune serum may be useful for studying the function of the 54-kDa subunit of the SRP in binding to signal sequences or in interacting with other components of the translational machinery.

Antibody Specificity↗

PubMed2004

Signal recognition particle mediates post-translational targeting in eukaryotes.

Signal recognition particle (SRP) plays a central role in the delivery of classical secretory and membrane proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). All nascent chains studied to date dissociate from SRP once released from the ribosome, thereby supporting a strictly cotranslational mode of action for eukaryotic SRP. We now report a novel post-translational function for SRP in the targeting of tail-anchored (TA) proteins to the ER. TA proteins possess a hydrophobic membrane insertion sequence at their C-terminus such that it can only emerge from the ribosome after translation is terminated. We show that SRP can associate post-translationally with this type of ER-targeting signal, and deliver newly synthesised TA proteins to the ER membrane by a pathway dependent upon GTP and the SRP receptor. We find that dependency upon this SRP-dependent route is precursor specific, and propose a unifying model to describe the biogenesis of TA proteins in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1997

Determinants of a protein-induced RNA switch in the large domain of signal recognition particle identified by systematic-site directed mutagenesis.

Signal recognition particle (SRP) is a ribonucleoprotein complex that associates with ribosomes to promote the co-translational translocation of proteins across biological membranes. Human SRP RNA molecules exist in two distinct conformations, SR-A and SR-B, which may exchange during the assembly of the particle or could play a functional role in the SRP cycle. We have used systematic site-directed mutagenesis of the SRP RNA to determine the electrophoretic mobilities of altered RNA molecules, and we have identified the nucleotides that avert the formation of the two conformers. The conformer behavior of the various RNAs was addressed quantitatively by calculating a value zeta as an indicator of conformational variability. Single loose A-like forms were induced by changes in helix 5 [nucleotides (nt) at positions 111-128 or 222-231], helix 6 (nt at positions 141-150) and helix 7 (nt at position 169 and 170), whereas other mutations in helix 6 and helix 8 preserved the conformational variability of the mutant RNA molecules. The more compact B-like form was induced only when a small region (129-CAAUAU-134), located in the 5'-proximal portion of helix 6, was altered. Since this region is part of the binding site for SRP19, we suggest that protein SRP19 uses nucleotides at 129-134 to trigger the formation of the favored SR-B-form, and thus directs an early step in the hierarchical assembly of the large SRP domain.

Binding Sites↗

PubMed2002

ATP stimulates signal recognition particle (SRP)/FtsY-supported protein integration in chloroplasts.

The signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor (FtsY in prokaryotes) are essential for cotranslational protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum in eukaryotes and the cytoplasmic membrane in prokaryotes. An SRP/FtsY-like protein targeting/integration pathway in chloroplasts mediates the posttranslational integration of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding protein (LHCP) into thylakoid membranes. GTP, chloroplast SRP (cpSRP), and chloroplast FtsY (cpFtsY) are required for LHCP integration into thylakoid membranes. Here, we report the reconstitution of the LHCP integration reaction with purified recombinant proteins and salt-washed thylakoids. Our data demonstrate that cpSRP and cpFtsY are the only soluble protein components required for LHCP integration. In addition, our studies reveal that ATP, though not absolutely required, remarkably stimulates LHCP integration into salt-washed thylakoids. ATP stimulates LHCP integration by a mechanism independent of the thylakoidal pH gradient (DeltapH) and exerts no detectable effect on the formation of the soluble LHCP-cpSRP-targeting complex. Taken together, our results indicate the participation of a thylakoid ATP-binding protein in LHCP integration.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed2002

Reconstitution of the signal recognition particle of the halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii.

The signal recognition particle (SRP) is a ribonucleoprotein complex involved in the recognition and targeting of nascent extracytoplasmic proteins in all three domains of life. In Archaea, SRP contains 7S RNA like its eukaryal counterpart, yet only includes two of the six protein subunits found in the eukaryal complex. To further our understanding of the archaeal SRP, 7S RNA, SRP19 and SRP54 of the halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii have been expressed and purified, and used to reconstitute the ternary SRP complex. The availability of SRP components from a haloarchaeon offers insight into the structure, assembly and function of this ribonucleoprotein complex at saturating salt conditions. While the amino acid sequences of H.volcanii SRP19 and SRP54 are modified presumably as an adaptation to their saline surroundings, the interactions between these halophilic SRP components and SRP RNA appear conserved, with the possibility of a few exceptions. Indeed, the H.volcanii SRP can assemble in the absence of high salt. As reported with other archaeal SRPs, the limited binding of H.volcanii SRP54 to SRP RNA is enhanced in the presence of SRP19. Finally, immunolocalization reveals that H.volcanii SRP54 is found in the cytosolic fraction, where it is associated with the ribosomal fraction of the cell.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1998

The Signal Recognition Particle Database (SRPDB).

This release of the SRPDB (signal recognition particle database, http://pegasus.uthct.edu/SRPDB/SRPDB . html ) adds four SRP RNA sequences (a total of 99 SRP RNA sequences), 23 SRP protein sequences (a total of 63 protein sequences from SRP9, SRP14, SRP19, SRP21, SRP54, SRP68 or SRP72), and, for the first time, sequences of the alpha subunit of the eukaryotic SRP receptor and its homologous bacterial proteins (a total of 21 sequences). Sequences are offered phylogenetically ordered, annotated with links to the primary databases, and in aligned form. Also downloadable are sample SRP RNA secondary structure diagrams, three-dimensional models of representative SRP RNAs, and search motifs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗