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.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-412-8_8 | DOI Listing |
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 PDFSci Rep
November 2024
Department of Biochemistry, College of Allied Sciences, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite, 4114, Philippines.
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]).
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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 PDFPhys 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 PDFJ Mol Recognit
January 2025
Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Saarland, Germany.
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