A unified evolutionary origin for the ubiquitous protein transporters SecY and YidC.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Protein transporters translocate hydrophilic segments of polypeptide across hydrophobic cell membranes. Two protein transporters are ubiquitous and date back to the last universal common ancestor: SecY and YidC. SecY consists of two pseudosymmetric halves, which together form a membrane-spanning protein-conducting channel. YidC is an asymmetric molecule with a protein-conducting hydrophilic groove that partially spans the membrane. Although both transporters mediate insertion of membrane proteins with short translocated domains, only SecY transports secretory proteins and membrane proteins with long translocated domains. The evolutionary origins of these ancient and essential transporters are not known.

Results

The features conserved by the two halves of SecY indi

SUBMITTER: Lewis AJO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8675477 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature