scholarly journals The signal sequence receptor, unlike the signal recognition particle receptor, is not essential for protein translocation

1992 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Migliaccio ◽  
CV Nicchitta ◽  
G Blobel

Detergent extracts of canine pancreas rough microsomal membranes were depleted of either the signal recognition particle receptor (SR), which mediates the signal recognition particle (SRP)-dependent targeting of the ribosome/nascent chain complex to the membrane, or the signal sequence receptor (SSR), which has been proposed to function as a membrane bound receptor for the newly targeted nascent chain and/or as a component of a multi-protein translocation complex responsible for transfer of the nascent chain across the membrane. Depletion of the two components was performed by chromatography of detergent extracts on immunoaffinity supports. Detergent extracts lacking either SR or SSR were reconstituted and assayed for activity with respect to SR dependent elongation arrest release, nascent chain targeting, ribosome binding, secretory precursor translocation, and membrane protein integration. Depletion of SR resulted in the loss of elongation arrest release activity, nascent chain targeting, secretory protein translocation, and membrane protein integration, although ribosome binding was unaffected. Full activity was restored by addition of immunoaffinity purified SR before reconstitution of the detergent extract. Surprisingly, depletion of SSR was without effect on any of the assayed activities, indicating that SSR is either not required for translocation or is one of a family of functionally redundant components.

1989 ◽  
Vol 108 (3) ◽  
pp. 789-795 ◽  
Author(s):  
C V Nicchitta ◽  
G Blobel

We have investigated the effects of chemical alkylation of microsomal membranes on nascent chain binding and translocation. Assays were conducted using either full-length or truncated preprolactin transcripts in combination with a reconstituted membrane system consisting of proteolyzed rough microsomes and the cytoplasmic domain of the signal recognition particle receptor. Treatment of rough microsomes with N-ethylmaleimide was observed to inhibit preprolactin processing at a site other than the signal recognition particle or the signal recognition particle receptor. As formation of a translocation competent junction between the ribosome/nascent chain complex and the membrane has recently been demonstrated to require GTP (Connolly, T., and R. Gilmore. J. Cell Biol. 1986. 103:2253-2261), the effects of membrane alkylation on this parameter were assessed. N-ethylmaleimide treatment did not inhibit nascent chain targeting or GTP-dependent signal sequence insertion. Translocation of the targeted and inserted nascent chain was, however, blocked. These data indicate (a) that the process of nascent chain translocation is distinct from targeting and signal sequence insertion, and (b) translocation of the peptide chain across the membrane is mediated by an N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive membrane protein component(s). To further substantiate the observation that nascent chain targeting and signal sequence insertion can be distinguished from translocation, the temperature dependencies of the two phenomena were compared. Signal sequence insertion occurred at low temperatures (4 degrees C) and was maximal between 10 and 15 degrees C. Translocation was only observed at higher temperatures and was maximal between 25 and 30 degrees C.


eLife ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas R Noriega ◽  
Jin Chen ◽  
Peter Walter ◽  
Joseph D Puglisi

The signal recognition particle (SRP) directs translating ribosome-nascent chain complexes (RNCs) that display a signal sequence to protein translocation channels in target membranes. All previous work on the initial step of the targeting reaction, when SRP binds to RNCs, used stalled and non-translating RNCs. This meant that an important dimension of the co-translational process remained unstudied. We apply single-molecule fluorescence measurements to observe directly and in real-time E. coli SRP binding to actively translating RNCs. We show at physiologically relevant SRP concentrations that SRP-RNC association and dissociation rates depend on nascent chain length and the exposure of a functional signal sequence outside the ribosome. Our results resolve a long-standing question: how can a limited, sub-stoichiometric pool of cellular SRP effectively distinguish RNCs displaying a signal sequence from those that are not? The answer is strikingly simple: as originally proposed, SRP only stably engages translating RNCs exposing a functional signal sequence.


2005 ◽  
Vol 170 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edith N.G. Houben ◽  
Raz Zarivach ◽  
Bauke Oudega ◽  
Joen Luirink

An unbiased photo–cross-linking approach was used to probe the “molecular path” of a growing nascent Escherichia coli inner membrane protein (IMP) from the peptidyl transferase center to the surface of the ribosome. The nascent chain was initially in proximity to the ribosomal proteins L4 and L22 and subsequently contacted L23, which is indicative of progression through the ribosome via the main ribosomal tunnel. The signal recognition particle (SRP) started to interact with the nascent IMP and to target the ribosome–nascent chain complex to the Sec–YidC complex in the inner membrane when maximally half of the transmembrane domain (TM) was exposed from the ribosomal exit. The combined data suggest a flexible tunnel that may accommodate partially folded nascent proteins and parts of the SRP and SecY. Intraribosomal contacts of the nascent chain were not influenced by the presence of a functional TM in the ribosome.


1998 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Raden ◽  
Reid Gilmore

Proteins with RER-specific signal sequences are cotranslationally translocated across the rough endoplasmic reticulum through a proteinaceous channel composed of oligomers of the Sec61 complex. The Sec61 complex also binds ribosomes with high affinity. The dual function of the Sec61 complex necessitates a mechanism to prevent signal sequence-independent binding of ribosomes to the translocation channel. We have examined the hypothesis that the signal recognition particle (SRP) and the nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC), respectively, act as positive and negative regulatory factors to mediate the signal sequence-specific attachment of the ribosome-nascent chain complex (RNC) to the translocation channel. Here, SRP-independent translocation of a nascent secretory polypeptide was shown to occur in the presence of endogenous wheat germ or rabbit reticulocyte NAC. Furthermore, SRP markedly enhanced RNC binding to the translocation channel irrespective of the presence of NAC. Binding of RNCs, but not SRP-RNCs, to the Sec61 complex is competitively inhibited by 80S ribosomes. Thus, the SRP-dependent targeting pathway provides a mechanism for delivery of RNCs to the translocation channel that is not inhibited by the nonselective interaction between the ribosome and the Sec61 complex.


2003 ◽  
Vol 163 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gottfried Eisner ◽  
Hans-Georg Koch ◽  
Konstanze Beck ◽  
Joseph Brunner ◽  
Matthias Müller

We have systematically analyzed the molecular environment of the signal sequence of a growing secretory protein from Escherichia coli using a stage- and site-specific cross-linking approach. Immediately after emerging from the ribosome, the signal sequence of pOmpA is accessible to Ffh, the protein component of the bacterial signal recognition particle, and to SecA, but it remains attached to the surface of the ribosome via protein L23. These contacts are lost upon further growth of the nascent chain, which brings the signal sequence into sole proximity to the chaperone Trigger factor (TF). In its absence, nascent pOmpA shows extended contacts with L23, and even long chains interact in these conditions proficiently with Ffh. Our results suggest that upon emergence from the ribosome, the signal sequence of an E. coli secretory protein gradually becomes sequestered by TF. Although TF thereby might control the accessibility of pOmpA's signal sequence to Ffh and SecA, it does not influence interaction of pOmpA with SecB.


1987 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Wiedmann ◽  
T V Kurzchalia ◽  
H Bielka ◽  
T A Rapoport

We have studied the interaction between the signal sequence of nascent preprolactin and the signal recognition particle (SRP) during the initial events in protein translocation across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. A new method of affinity labeling was used, whereby lysine residues, carrying the photoreactive group 4-(3-trifluoromethyldiazirino) benzoic acid in their side chains, are incorporated into a protein by means of modified lysyl-tRNA, and cross-linking to the interacting component is induced by irradiation. SRP interacts through its Mr 54,000 polypeptide component with the signal sequences of nascent preprolactin chains containing about 70 residues, and with decreasing affinity with longer chains as well; it causes inhibition of elongation. Binding of SRP is reversible and requires the nascent chain to be bound to a functional ribosome. SRP cross-linked to the signal sequence still inhibits elongation but does not prevent it completely. We conclude that SRP does not block the exit site of the polypeptide chain on the ribosome. The SRP receptor of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane displaces the signal sequence from SRP and, even if SRP is cross-linked, releases elongation arrest.


2003 ◽  
Vol 162 (4) ◽  
pp. 575-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabet C. Mandon ◽  
Ying Jiang ◽  
Reid Gilmore

We have analyzed the interactions between the signal recognition particle (SRP), the SRP receptor (SR), and the ribosome using GTPase assays, biosensor experiments, and ribosome binding assays. Possible mechanisms that could contribute to an enhanced affinity between the SR and the SRP–ribosome nascent chain complex to promote protein translocation under physiological ionic strength conditions have been explored. Ribosomes or 60S large ribosomal subunits activate the GTPase cycle of SRP54 and SRα by providing a platform for assembly of the SRP–SR complex. Biosensor experiments revealed high-affinity, saturable binding of ribosomes or large ribosomal subunits to the SR. Remarkably, the SR has a 100-fold higher affinity for the ribosome than for SRP. Proteoliposomes that contain the SR bind nontranslating ribosomes with an affinity comparable to that shown by the Sec61 complex. An NH2-terminal 319-residue segment of SRα is necessary and sufficient for binding of SR to the ribosome. We propose that the ribosome–SR interaction accelerates targeting of the ribosome nascent chain complex to the RER, while the SRP–SR interaction is crucial for maintaining the fidelity of the targeting reaction.


1986 ◽  
Vol 103 (6) ◽  
pp. 2253-2261 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Connolly ◽  
R Gilmore

The requirement for ribonucleotides and ribonucleotide hydrolysis was examined at several distinct points during translocation of a secretory protein across the endoplasmic reticulum. We monitored binding of in vitro-assembled polysomes to microsomal membranes after removal of ATP and GTP. Ribonucleotides were not required for the initial low salt-insensitive attachment of the ribosome to the membrane. However, without ribonucleotides the nascent secretory chains were sensitive to protease digestion and were readily extracted from the membrane with either EDTA or 0.5 M KOAc. In contrast, nascent chains resisted extraction with either EDTA or 0.5 M KOAc and were insensitive to protease digestion after addition of GTP or nonhydrolyzable GTP analogues. Translocation of the nascent secretory polypeptide was detected only when ribosome binding was conducted in the presence of GTP. Thus, translocation-competent binding of the ribosome to the membrane requires the participation of a novel GTP-binding protein in addition to the signal recognition particle and the signal recognition particle receptor. The second event we examined was translocation and processing of a truncated secretory polypeptide. Membrane-bound polysomes bearing an 86-residue nascent chain were generated by translation of a truncated preprolactin mRNA. Ribonucleotide-independent translocation of the polypeptide was detected by cleavage of the 30-residue signal sequence after puromycin termination. Nascent chain transport, per se, is apparently dependent upon neither ribonucleotide hydrolysis nor continued elongation of the polypeptide once a functional ribosome-membrane junction has been established.


1985 ◽  
Vol 100 (6) ◽  
pp. 1913-1921 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Siegel ◽  
P Walter

Signal recognition particle (SRP) is a ribonucleoprotein consisting of six distinct polypeptides and one molecule of small cytoplasmic 7SL RNA. It was previously shown to promote the co-translational translocation of secretory proteins across the endoplasmic reticulum by (a) arresting the elongation of the presecretory nascent chain at a specific point, and (b) interacting with the SRP receptor, an integral membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum which is active in releasing the elongation arrest. Recently a procedure was designed by which the particle could be disassembled into its protein and RNA components. We have further separated the SRP proteins into four homogeneous fractions. When recombined with each other and with 7SL RNA, they formed fully active SRP. Particles missing specific proteins were assembled in the hope that some of these would retain some functional activity. SRP(-9/14), the particle lacking the 9-kD and 14-kD polypeptides, was fully active in promoting translocation, but was completely inactive in elongation arrest. This implied that elongation arrest is not a prerequisite for protein translocation. SRP receptor was required for SRP(-9/14)-mediated translocation to occur, and thus must play some role in the translocation process in addition to releasing the elongation arrest.


2003 ◽  
Vol 160 (4) ◽  
pp. 529-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryen D. Fons ◽  
Brigitte A. Bogert ◽  
Ramanujan S. Hegde

Although the transport of model proteins across the mammalian ER can be reconstituted with purified Sec61p complex, TRAM, and signal recognition particle receptor, some substrates, such as the prion protein (PrP), are inefficiently or improperly translocated using only these components. Here, we purify a factor needed for proper translocation of PrP and identify it as the translocon-associated protein (TRAP) complex. Surprisingly, TRAP also stimulates vectorial transport of many, but not all, other substrates in a manner influenced by their signal sequences. Comparative analyses of several natural signal sequences suggest that a dependence on TRAP for translocation is not due to any single physical parameter, such as hydrophobicity of the signal sequence. Instead, a functional property of the signal, efficiency of its post-targeting role in initiating substrate translocation, correlates inversely with TRAP dependence. Thus, maximal translocation independent of TRAP can only be achieved with a signal sequence, such as the one from prolactin, whose strong interaction with the translocon mediates translocon gating shortly after targeting. These results identify the TRAP complex as a functional component of the translocon and demonstrate that it acts in a substrate-specific manner to facilitate the initiation of protein translocation.


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