Purification and functional reconstitution of the bacterial protein translocation pore, the SecYEG complex.

Methods Mol Biol

Department of Molecular Microbiology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute and Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Published: July 2010

In bacteria, proteins are secreted across the cytoplasmic membrane by a protein complex termed translocase. The ability to study the activity of the translocase in vitro using purified proteins has been instrumental for our understanding of the mechanisms underlying this process. Here, we describe the protocols for the purification and reconstitution of the SecYEG complex in an active state into liposomes. In addition, fluorescence based in vitro assays are described that allow monitoring translocation activity discontinuously and in real time.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-412-8_8DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

secyeg complex
8
purification functional
4
functional reconstitution
4
reconstitution bacterial
4
bacterial protein
4
protein translocation
4
translocation pore
4
pore secyeg
4
complex bacteria
4
bacteria proteins
4

Similar Publications

Protein translocation across cellular membranes is an essential and nano-scale dynamic process. In the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, the core proteins in this process are a membrane protein complex, SecYEG, corresponding to the eukaryotic Sec61 complex, and a cytoplasmic protein, SecA ATPase. Despite more than three decades of extensive research on Sec proteins, from genetic experiments to cutting-edge single-molecule analyses, no study has visually demonstrated protein translocation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Cyclotriazadisulfonamide (CADA) is a macrocyclic compound known for its unique mechanism in inhibiting HIV infection by downregulating the CD4 T-cell receptor, a crucial entry point for the virus. Unlike other antiretrovirals, CADA exhibits activity against a wide range of HIV strains, as all HIV variants require CD4 binding for infection. Furthermore, CADA has shown a synergistic effect with clinically approved anti-HIV drugs, offering potential for enhanced therapeutic strategies (Vermeire & Schols, [65]).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Protein translocation through α-helical channels and insertases.

Structure

January 2025

State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China. Electronic address:

Protein translocation systems are essential for distributing proteins across various lipid membranes in cells. Cellular membranes, such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and mitochondrial inner membrane, require highly regulated protein translocation machineries that specifically allow the passage of protein polypeptides while blocking smaller molecules like ions and water. Key translocation systems include the Sec translocation channel, the protein insertases of the Oxa1 superfamily, and the translocases of the mitochondrial inner membrane (TIM).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Physical mechanisms of the Sec machinery operation.

Phys Chem Chem Phys

October 2024

Institute for Theoretical Physics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria.

The Sec complex, composed of a motor protein SecA and a channel SecYEG, is an ATP-driven molecular machine for the transport of proteins across the plasma membrane in bacteria. Today, there is a consensus about a general "rough" model of the complex activation and operation, which, however, lacks understanding of the physical mechanisms behind it. Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to address a way of allosteric activation, conformational transition of SecYEG from the closed to the open state, and driving forces of protein transport.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • - The Sec61 translocon is critical for transporting newly formed proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum or embedding them in its membrane.
  • - Recent discoveries in structural biology have provided insight into how Sec61 interacts with other proteins and have identified small molecules that can inhibit its function.
  • - Some of these molecules can selectively block the transport of specific proteins, suggesting potential strategies for targeting Sec61 in drug development while minimizing harmful effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!