HOME >> BIOLOGY >> NEWS
The molecular post office inside the cell

For most proteins, there is a particular place inside a cell where they carry out their function. But how do they get there? Scientists from the Charité Berlin, the University of Heidelberg, and the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin have now been able to visualize the structure of a "molecular machine" involved in protein sorting using cryo-electron microscopy and single particle analysis. This "machine" is made up of a single active ribosome, plus a special signal recognition protein and a matching receptor. The scientists have shown that when the three proteins interact, certain areas open up on the ribosome, which allows the ribosome to dock onto another complex. The later complex, which is called translocon complex, takes over the job of transferring a newly produced protein through the membrane. Knowing the structure of the molecular machine helps scientists to understand how secretory and membrane proteins in a cell are expressed and sorted (Science, May 5, 2006).

Sorting proteins is fundamental to the gene expression of every organism - from bacteria to humans. Particularly important during biosynthesis is sorting secretory and membrane proteins, which have to find the way to their final destination inside or outside the cell. Secretory proteins are those that later on leave the cell, like anti-bodies. Membrane proteins are proteins embedded into the cell's membranes - for example, signalling receptors. One particular molecular complex is important in protein sorting. It is made from an active ribosome - that is, the protein synthesis machine in the cell - called the signal recognition particle (SRP), and its corresponding receptor. It is the structure of this complex that the scientific team is now able to describe.

The key element to this machine's functioning is a signal sequence located at the N-terminal end of the protein to be sorted. The sequence acts as a kind of "postal code" in the cell. The SRP reads the sequenc
'"/>

Contact: Dr. Thorsten Mielke
mielke@molgen.mpg.de
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
12-May-2006


Page: 1 2

Related biology news :

1. New textbook illuminates the close links between evolutionary and molecular biology
2. New molecular regulators of hyperthyroidism and goiter
3. A novel molecular dictator with a conscience discovered
4. UC Santa Barbara scientists clarify molecular basis of interferon action
5. MU researchers make discovery in molecular mechanics of phototropism
6. Malaria-resistant mosquitoes battle disease with molecular warhead
7. University of Cincinnati receives $1.7M to research molecular treatment of brain injury
8. Casting the molecular net
9. Tumor vessels identified by unique molecular markers
10. SNM advances professional definition for molecular imaging
11. Uncovering the molecular basis of obesity

Post Your Comments:
*Name:
*Comment:
*Email:
TAG: The molecular post office inside the cell

(Date:5/18/2013)... Research presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) explores ... and lifestyle. , Individuals suffering from Crohn,s ... fatigue and poor quality of life. These symptoms ... A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study found for ... to significant relief of these symptoms. , ...
(Date:5/17/2013)... Research Foundation announced a new grant that intends to ... one of today,s most exciting areas of science, and ... Awards Panel selected Andrew T. Chan, MD, MPH and ... School, Boston, as the 2013 AGA-Elsevier Gut Microbiome Pilot ... funding, commencing in July 2013, to test the overarching ...
(Date:5/17/2013)... Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and City ... formulation called Visikol TM that effectively clears organisms ... in place of chloral hydrate, which is one of ... is tightly regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) ... solutions, or clearing agents, are vital for viewing organisms ...
Breaking Biology News(10 mins):Research examines new methods for managing digestive health 2Research examines new methods for managing digestive health 3New gut microbiome research to explore red meat -- colorectal cancer pathway 2New formula invented for microscope viewing, substitutes for federally controlled drug 2New formula invented for microscope viewing, substitutes for federally controlled drug 3
(Date:5/17/2013)... The new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Photonics ... recent annual meeting drew praise from community leaders from ... called the action “a huge step forward … a ... innovation.” , The Board of Stakeholders voted to approve ... at its 29 April meeting in Brussels, which was ...
(Date:5/17/2013)... 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Aridis is pleased to ... Switzerland -based Kenta Biotech to ... antibody (mAb) products, and technologies. This asset portfolio ... treatment of infections by common pathogens including drug ... Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Acinetobacter baumannii ...
(Date:5/17/2013)... 2013 Rust removal is one of home ... items could be damaged. To help rust contractors make it ... no-scrubbing rust remover it called Rusterizer. It announced ... 10% discount. , My Cleaning Products explained that rust could ... by staining them. The first one, it said, happens ...
(Date:5/16/2013)... (PRWEB) May 16, 2013 Oven Industries, ... temperature controllers and temperature sensors since 1964. ... used in industrial control system applications. As ... device includes a generic, control loop feedback system, which ... expertly used to adjust a systematic process, using a ...
Breaking Biology Technology:SPIE Joins in Praise for ‘Huge Step Forward’ for Innovation R&D Enabled by Photonics21 Actions 2SPIE Joins in Praise for ‘Huge Step Forward’ for Innovation R&D Enabled by Photonics21 Actions 3Aridis Pharmaceuticals Announces Acquisition of Monoclonal Antibody Products and Technologies From Kenta Biotech 2Aridis Pharmaceuticals Announces Acquisition of Monoclonal Antibody Products and Technologies From Kenta Biotech 3Organic-Based Rust Remover Cuts Down Price by 10%, My Cleaning Products Details Mechanics How to Get the Discount 2New PID Temperature Controllers Announced by Oven Industries Inc. 2
Cached News: