Co-translational membrane association of the Escherichia coli SRP receptor

J Cell Sci. 2015 Apr 1;128(7):1444-52. doi: 10.1242/jcs.166116. Epub 2015 Feb 4.

Abstract

The signal recognition particle (SRP) receptor is a major player in the pathway of membrane protein biogenesis in all organisms. The receptor functions as a membrane-bound entity but very little is known about its targeting to the membrane. Here, we demonstrate in vivo that the Escherichia coli SRP receptor targets the membrane co-translationally. This requires emergence from the ribosome of the four-helix-long N-domain of the receptor, of which only helices 2-4 are required for co-translational membrane attachment. The results also suggest that the targeting might be regulated co-translationally. Taken together, our in vivo studies shed light on the biogenesis of the SRP receptor and its hypothetical role in targeting ribosomes to the E. coli membrane.

Keywords: Co-translational targeting; FtsY; Membrane protein biogenesis; SecM; Translation intermediate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / genetics
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Escherichia coli / chemistry
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism*
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / genetics
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Biosynthesis*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protein Transport
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / chemistry
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / genetics
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Peptide / chemistry
  • Receptors, Peptide / genetics
  • Receptors, Peptide / metabolism*
  • Ribosomes / genetics
  • Ribosomes / metabolism
  • Signal Recognition Particle / genetics
  • Signal Recognition Particle / metabolism

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • Ffh protein, E coli
  • FtsY protein, Bacteria
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Receptors, Peptide
  • Signal Recognition Particle
  • signal peptide receptor