Reference: Wu X and Rapoport TA (2021) Translocation of Proteins through a Distorted Lipid Bilayer. Trends Cell Biol 31(6):473-484

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Abstract


Membranes surrounding cells or organelles represent barriers to proteins and other molecules. However, specific proteins can cross membranes by different translocation systems, the best studied being the Sec61/SecY channel. This channel forms a hydrophilic, hourglass-shaped membrane channel, with a lateral gate towards the surrounding lipid. However, recent studies show that an aqueous pore is not required in other cases of protein translocation. The Hrd1 complex, mediating the retrotranslocation of misfolded proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen into the cytosol, contains multispanning proteins with aqueous luminal and cytosolic cavities, and lateral gates juxtaposed in a thinned membrane region. A locally thinned, distorted lipid bilayer also allows protein translocation in other systems, suggesting a new paradigm to overcome the membrane barrier.

Reference Type
Journal Article | Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural | Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't | Review
Authors
Wu X, Rapoport TA
Review For
GET2 | YOS9 | DFM1 | GET3 | TIM22 | PEX5 | CDC48 | OXA1 | SSM4 | HRD1 | USA1 | ... Show all