Project description:Cotranslational targeting into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by the Signal Recognition Particle (SRP) is a key event determining polypeptide fate in eukaryotic cells. Here, we globally define the principles and mechanisms of SRP binding and ER targeting in vivo. Cotranslational targeting through SRP is the dominant route into the ER for all secretory proteins, regardless of targeting signal characteristics. Cytosolic SRP functions in a pioneer translation round that builds a membrane-resident mRNAs pool, explaining how low SRP levels suffice for the secretory load. SRP does not induce an elongation arrest; consequently, kinetic competition between targeting and translation elongation dictates which substrates are translocated post-translationally. Unexpectedly, SRP binds most secretory ribosomal complexes before targeting signals are synthesized. We show non-coding mRNA elements can promote signal-independent SRP pre-recruitment. Our study defines the complex kinetic interplay between elongation and determinants in the polypeptide and mRNA modulating SRP-substrate selection and membrane targeting in vivo. Ribosome profiling (RiboSeq) and RNA-seq of subcellular fractions of ribosomes. Soluble and membrane bound ribosomes are separated by centrifugation, and SRP-bound ribosomes are immunoprecipitated from the soluble fraction. Polysomes and monosomes are separated by sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation.
Project description:Cotranslational targeting into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by the Signal Recognition Particle (SRP) is a key event determining polypeptide fate in eukaryotic cells. Here, we globally define the principles and mechanisms of SRP binding and ER targeting in vivo. Cotranslational targeting through SRP is the dominant route into the ER for all secretory proteins, regardless of targeting signal characteristics. Cytosolic SRP functions in a pioneer translation round that builds a membrane-resident mRNAs pool, explaining how low SRP levels suffice for the secretory load. SRP does not induce an elongation arrest; consequently, kinetic competition between targeting and translation elongation dictates which substrates are translocated post-translationally. Unexpectedly, SRP binds most secretory ribosomal complexes before targeting signals are synthesized. We show non-coding mRNA elements can promote signal-independent SRP pre-recruitment. Our study defines the complex kinetic interplay between elongation and determinants in the polypeptide and mRNA modulating SRP-substrate selection and membrane targeting in vivo.
Project description:SecA, an ATPase known to posttranslationally translocate secretory proteins across the bacterial plasma membrane, also interacts with ribosomes. Here, we used a combination of ribosome profiling methods to investigate the cotranslational actions of SecA in vivo. SecA scans translating ribosomes at the plasma membrane and cotranslationally engages large periplasmic loops on inner membrane proteins. In coordination with the proton motive force, SecA resolves the cytoplasmic accumulation of periplasmic loops during cotranslational protein translocation. SecA also associates with a subset of secretory proteins at an early stage of translation and mediates their cotranslational transport, whereas the chaperone trigger factor (TF) delays SecA engagement on other secretory proteins to impose a posttranslational mode of translocation. The hydrophobicity of signal sequence is a determinant of nascent protein triage between SecA and TF. Our results elucidate the principles of SecA-driven cotranslational protein translocation and reveal a hierarchical network of protein export pathways in bacteria.
Project description:As nascent polypeptides exit ribosomes, they are engaged by a series of processing, targeting and folding factors. Here we present a selective ribosome profiling strategy that enables global monitoring of when these factors engage polypeptides in the complex cellular environment. Studies of the Escherichia coli chaperone Trigger Factor (TF) reveal that, while TF can interact with many polypeptides, β-barrel outer membrane proteins are the most prominent substrates. Loss of TF leads to broad outer membrane defects and premature, cotranslational protein translocation. While in vitro studies suggested that TF is prebound to ribosomes waiting for polypeptides to emerge from the exit channel, we find that in vivo TF engages ribosomes only after ~100 amino acids are translated. Moreover, excess TF interferes with cotranslational removal of the N-terminal formyl methionine. Our studies support a triaging model in which proper protein biogenesis relies on the fine-tuned, sequential engagement of processing, targeting ad folding factors. Examination of translation in the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli, as well as an analysis of the interactions between nascent chains and the molecular chaperone Trigger Factor.
Project description:Changes in RNA levels during osmotic stress were investigated. Total RNA was extracted from a wild-type yeast strain before and after treatment with 0.4 M NaCl and the corresponding cDNAs were hybridazed on Tiling arrays. In particular, for all the intron-containing genes, the changes in the levels of intron signal in stressed cells related to the intron signal in the non-stressed cells, and the changes in the levels of exon signal in stresses cells related to the exon signal in non-stressed cells were investigated. The supplementary bar file contains the ratios between stress signals respect to non-stress signals, using the average of the 3 biological replicas.