SRbeta coordinates signal sequence release from SRP with ribosome binding to the translocon.

Protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane is regulated by three GTPases, the 54 kDa subunit of the signal recognition particle (SRP) and the alpha- and beta-subunits of the SRP receptor (SR). Using a soluble form of SR and an XTP-binding mutant of SRbeta, we show that SRbeta is essential for protein translocation across the ER membrane. SRbeta can be cross-linked to a 21 kDa ribosomal protein in its empty and GDP-bound state, but not when GTP is bound. GTP binding to SRbeta is required to induce signal sequence release from SRP. This is achieved by the presence of the translocon, which changes the interaction between the 21 kDa ribosomal protein and SRbeta and thereby allows SRbeta to bind GTP. We conclude that SRbeta coordinates the release of the signal sequence from SRP with the presence of the translocon.

Prion protein contains a second endoplasmic reticulum targeting signal sequence located at its C terminus.

Prion protein (PrP) is synthesized at the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in three different topological forms as follows: a fully translocated one ((sec)PrP) and two with opposite orientations in the membrane ((Ntm)PrP and (Ctm)PrP). We asked whether other signal sequences exist in the PrP, other than the N-terminal signal sequence, that contribute to its topological diversity. In vitro translocation assays showed that PrP lacking its N-terminal signal sequence could still translocate into ER microsomes, although at reduced efficiency. Deletion of each of the two hydrophobic regions in PrP revealed that the C-terminally located hydrophobic region (TM2) can function as second signal sequence in PrP. Translocation mediated by the TM2 alone can occur post-translationally and yields mainly (Ctm)PrP, which is implicated in some forms of neurodegeneration in prion diseases. We conclude that, in vitro, PrP can insert into ER membranes co- and post-translationally and can use two different signal sequences. We propose that the unusually complex topology of PrP results from the differential utilization of two signal sequences in PrP.

The leucine-based sorting motifs in the cytoplasmic domain of the invariant chain are recognized by the clathrin adaptors AP1 and AP2 and their medium chains.

Recognition of sorting signals within the cytoplasmic tail of membrane proteins by adaptor protein complexes is a crucial step in membrane protein sorting. The three known adaptor complexes, AP1, AP2, and AP3, have all been shown to recognize tyrosine- and leucine-based sorting signals, which are the most common sorting signals within membrane protein cytoplasmic tails. Although tyrosine-based signals are recognized by the micro-chains of adaptor complexes, the subunit recognizing leucine-based sorting signals is less clear. In this report we show by surface plasmon resonance that the two leucine-based sorting signals within the cytoplasmic tail of the invariant chain bind independently from each other to AP1 and AP2 but not to AP3. We also show that both motifs can be recognized by the micro-chains of AP1 and AP2. Moreover, by using monomeric as well as trimeric invariant chain constructs, we show that adaptor binding does not require trimerization of the invariant chain.

Control of glycosylation of MHC class II-associated invariant chain by translocon-associated RAMP4.

Protein translocation across the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proceeds through a proteinaceous translocation machinery, the translocon. To identify components that may regulate translocation by interacting with nascent polypeptides in the translocon, we used site-specific photo-crosslinking. We found that a region C-terminal of the two N-glycosylation sites of the MHC class II-associated invariant chain (Ii) interacts specifically with the ribosome-associated membrane protein 4 (RAMP4). RAMP4 is a small, tail-anchored protein of 66 amino acid residues that is homologous to the yeast YSY6 protein. YSY6 suppresses a secretion defect of a secY mutant in Escherichia coli. The interaction of RAMP4 with Ii occurred when nascent Ii chains reached a length of 170 amino acid residues and persisted until Ii chain completion, suggesting translocational pausing. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the region of Ii interacting with RAMP4 contains essential hydrophobic amino acid residues. Exchange of these residues for serines led to a reduced interaction with RAMP4 and inefficient N-glycosylation. We propose that RAMP4 controls modification of Ii and possibly also of other secretory and membrane proteins containing specific RAMP4-interacting sequences. Efficient or variable glycosylation of Ii may contribute to its capacity to modulate antigen presentation by MHC class II molecules.

Oligomeric complexes involved in translocation of proteins across the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum.

Proteins involved in protein translocation across the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum assemble into different oligomeric complexes depending on their state of function. To analyse such membrane protein complexes we fractionated proteins of mammalian rough microsomes and analysed them using blue native PAGE and immunoblotting. Among the proteins characterised are the Sec61p complex, the oligosaccharyl transferase (OST) complex, the translocon-associated protein (TRAP) complex, the TRAM and RAMP4 proteins, the signal recognition particle (SRP) and the SRP receptor (SR). Interestingly, the RAMP4 protein, SR and OST complex display more than one oligomeric form.

The ribosome regulates the GTPase of the beta-subunit of the signal recognition particle receptor.

Protein targeting to the membrane of the ER is regulated by three GTPases, the 54-kD subunit of the signal recognition particle (SRP) and the alpha- and beta-subunit of the SRP receptor (SR). Here, we report on the GTPase cycle of the beta-subunits of the SR (SRbeta). We found that SRbeta binds GTP with high affinity and interacts with ribosomes in the GTP-bound state. Subsequently, the ribosome increases the GTPase activity of SRbeta and thus functions as a GTPase activating protein for SRbeta. Furthermore, the interaction between SRbeta and the ribosome leads to a reduction in the affinity of SRbeta for guanine nucleotides. We propose that SRbeta regulates the interaction of SR with the ribosome and thereby allows SRalpha to scan membrane-bound ribosomes for the presence of SRP. Interaction between SRP and SRalpha then leads to release of the signal sequence from SRP and insertion into the translocon. GTP hydrolysis then results in dissociation of SR from the ribosome, and SRP from the SR.

Phosphorylation of components of the ER translocation site.

In many eukaryotic cells, protein secretion is regulated by extracellular signalling molecules giving rise to increased intracellular Ca2+ and activation of kinases and phosphatases. To test whether components involved in the first step of secretion, the translocation of proteins across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, are regulated by Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, we have investigated the effect of Ca2+ on kinases associated with the rough ER. Using purified rough microsomes from dog pancreas we found that Ca2+-dependent isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC) are associated with the rough ER and phosphorylate essential components of the protein translocation machinery. Phosphorylation of microsomal proteins by PKCs increased protein translocation efficiency in vitro. We also found that proteins of the translocation machinery became phosphorylated in intact cells. This suggests a further level of regulation of protein translocation across the ER membrane.

Signal sequences: more than just greasy peptides.

Export signal sequences target newly synthesized proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum of eukaryotic cells and the plasma membrane of bacteria. All signal sequences contain a hydrophobic core region, but, despite this, they show great variation in both overall length and amino acid sequence. Recently, it has become clear that this variation allows signal sequences to specify different modes of targeting and membrane insertion and even to perform functions after being cleaved from the parent protein. This review argues that signal sequences are not simply greasy peptides but sophisticated, multipurpose peptides containing a wealth of functional information.

Signal peptide fragments of preprolactin and HIV-1 p-gp160 interact with calmodulin.

Secretory proteins and most membrane proteins are synthesized with a signal sequence that is usually cleaved from the nascent polypeptide during transport into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. Using site-specific photo-crosslinking we have followed the fate of the signal sequence of preprolactin in a cell-free system. This signal sequence has an unusually long hydrophilic n-region containing several positively charged amino acid residues. We found that after cleavage by signal peptidase the signal sequence is in contact with lipids and subunits of the signal peptidase complex. The cleaved signal sequence is processed further and an N-terminal fragment is released into the cytosol. This signal peptide fragment was found to interact efficiently with calmodulin. Similar to preprolactin, the signal sequence of the HIV-1 envelope protein p-gp160 has the characteristic feature for calmodulin binding in its n-region. We found that a signal peptide fragment of p-gp160 was released into the cytosol and interacts with calmodulin. Our results suggest that signal peptide fragments of some cellular and viral proteins can interact with cytosolic target molecules. The functional consequences of such interactions remain to be established. However, our data suggest that signal sequences may be functionally more versatile than anticipated up to now.

Regulation by the ribosome of the GTPase of the signal-recognition particle during protein targeting.

The signal-recognition particle (SRP) is important for the targeting of many secretory and membrane proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Targeting is regulated by three GTPases, the 54K subunit of SRP (SRP54), and the alpha- and beta-subunits of the SRP receptor. When a signal sequence emerges from the ribosome, SRP interacts with it and targets the resulting complex to the ER membrane by binding to the SRP receptor. Subsequently, SRP releases the signal sequence into the translocation channel. Here we use a complex of a ribosome with a nascent peptide chain, the SRP and its receptor, to investigate GTP binding to SRP54, and GTP hydrolysis. Our findings indicate that a ribosomal component promotes GTP binding to the SRP54 subunit of SRP. GTP-bound SRP54 is essential for high-affinity interaction between SRP and its receptor in the ER membrane. This interaction induces the release of the signal sequence from SRP, the insertion of the nascent polypeptide chain into the translocation channel, and GTP hydrolysis. The contribution of the ribosome had previously escaped detection because only synthetic signal peptides were used in the analysis.

Snapshots of membrane-translocating proteins.

To learn about the molecular mechanism of protein translocation across the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the environment of nascent chains during the translocation process has been characterized using a variety of crosslinking approaches. These techniques have led to the identification of several proteins that interact transiently with the newly synthesized protein in the cytosol, during its passage across the membrane of the ER and in the ER lumen. Furthermore, lipids have been found to be in contact with membrane-inserted nascent chains, suggesting that the polypeptide enters the membrane in a protein-lipid interface.

Common principles of protein translocation across membranes.

Most major systems that transport proteins across a membrane share the following features: an amino-terminal transient signal sequence on the transported protein, a targeting system on the cis side of the membrane, a hetero-oligomeric transmembrane channel that is gated both across and within the plane of the membrane, a peripherally attached protein translocation motor that is powered by the hydrolysis of nucleoside triphosphate, and a protein folding system on the trans side of the membrane. These transport systems are divided into two families: export systems that export proteins out of the cytosol, and import systems that transport proteins into cytosol-like compartments.

A complex of the signal sequence binding protein and the SRP RNA promotes translocation of nascent proteins.

Translocation of proteins across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane is initiated by the signal recognition particle (SRP), a cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein complex consisting of a 7S RNA and six polypeptides. To investigate the functions of the SRP components, we have tested the activities of several SRP subparticles. We show that the SRP GTPase (SRP54) alone binds a signal sequence and discriminates it from a non-signal sequence. Although SRP54 alone is unable to promote translocation, SRP54 in a complex with SRP RNA is both necessary and sufficient to promote translocation of an elongation-arrested nascent protein in a GTP-regulated manner. For co-translational translocation, additional SRP components are required. We discuss the implications of our results for the function of the Escherichia coli SRP which is homologous to the SRP54/SRP-RNA complex.

Interference of distinct invariant chain regions with superantigen contact area and antigenic peptide binding groove of HLA-DR.

In the endoplasmic reticulum, MHC class II alpha beta dimers associate with the trimeric invariant chain (li), generating a nine-subunit (alpha beta li)3 complex. In the presence of li, the peptide binding groove is blocked, so that loading with self or antigenic peptides can only occur after proteolytic removal of li in specialized post-Golgi compartments. The class II-associated invariant chain peptide region of li (about residues 81-104) is known to mediate binding to class II molecules and blockade of the groove, but this does not exclude additional contact sites for li. Using a set of overlapping li peptides and recombinant soluble li, we demonstrate here that a large segment of li encompassing approximately residues 71 to 128 interacts with HLA-DR molecules. The N- and C-terminal regions of this li segment appear to bind outside the peptide groove to the contact area for the staphylococcal superantigen Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B on the alpha 1 domain. The core region of this segment (residues 95-108) prevents binding of antigenic peptides, probably by interaction with the peptide groove. Occupation of the groove with antigenic peptides abolishes binding not only of the core region, but also that of those li peptides that bind outside the groove. These findings suggest the existence of distinct conformational states of class II molecules, with li binding preferentially to one form.

Signal sequence processing in rough microsomes.

Secretory proteins are synthesized with a signal sequence that is usually cleaved from the nascent protein during the translocation of the polypeptide chain into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. To determine the fate of a cleaved signal sequence, we used a synchronized in vitro translocation system. We found that the cleaved signal peptide of preprolactin is further processed close to its COOH terminus. The resulting fragment accumulated in the microsomal fraction and with time was released into the cytosol. Signal sequence cleavage and processing could be reproduced with reconstituted vesicles containing Sec61, signal recognition particle receptor, and signal peptidase complex.

The protein-conducting channel in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum is open laterally toward the lipid bilayer.

Lipids and proteins were found to contact a nascent type II membrane protein, as well as a nascent secretory protein, during their insertion into the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. This suggests that the protein-conducting channel is open laterally toward the lipid bilayer during an early stage of protein insertion. Contact to lipids was confined to the hydrophobic core region of the respective signal or signal anchor sequence. Thus, the nascent polypeptide is positioned in the translocation complex such that the signal or signal anchor sequence faces the lipid bilayer, whereas the hydrophilic, translocating portion is in proteinaceous environment.

Formation of SRP-like particle induces a conformational change in E. coli 4.5S RNA.

E. coli P48 protein is homologous to the SRP54 component of the eukaryotic signal recognition particle. In vivo, P48 is associated with 4.5S RNA which shares a homology with eukaryotic SRP RNA. To study the interaction between P48 and 4.5S RNA in vitro, we used 4.5S RNA with fluorescein coupled to the 3'-terminal ribose. Upon binding of P48, the fluorescent 4.5S RNA shows a substantial decrease in fluorescence. Fluorescence quenching as well as anisotropy measurements reveal that the effect is not due to a direct interaction of P48 with the dye. This suggests that the binding of P48 induces a conformational change in 4.5S RNA which affects the structure at the 3' end of the RNA. From equilibrium titrations with fluorescent 4.5S RNA, a dissociation constant of 0.15 microns is obtained for the RNA.protein complex. The formation of the complex is not affected by GTP binding to or hydrolysis by P48.

Isolation and characterization of the intracellular MHC class II compartment.

An intracellular compartment has been isolated to which MHC class II molecules are transported on their way to the plasma membrane. They arrive with an associated invariant chain which is then proteolytically processed while MHC class II molecules acquire antigenic peptide. These loaded class II molecules then leave the compartment devoid of invariant chain and bound for the plasma membrane. This compartment represents a new stage in the endocytic/lysosomal pathway.

An alternative protein targeting pathway in Escherichia coli: studies on the role of FtsY.

In Escherichia coli, a signal recognition particle (SRP) has been identified which binds specifically to the signal sequence of presecretory proteins and which appears to be essential for efficient translocation of a subset of proteins. In this study we have investigated the function of E. coli FtsY which shares sequence similarity with the alpha-subunit of the eukaryotic SRP receptor ('docking protein') in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. A strain was constructed which allows the conditional expression of FtsY. Depletion of FtsY is shown to cause the accumulation of the precursor form of beta-lactamase, OmpF and ribose binding protein in vivo, whereas the processing of various other presecretory proteins is unaffected. Furthermore, FtsY-depleted inverted cytoplasmic membrane vesicles are shown to be defective in the translocation of pre-beta-lactamase using an in vitro import assay. Subcellular localization studies revealed that FtsY is located in part at the cytoplasmic membrane with which it seems peripherally associated. These observations suggest that FtsY is the functional E. coli homolog of the mammalian SRP receptor.