Structure and assembly of the Alu domain of the mammalian signal recognition particle

The Alu domain of the mammalian signal recognition particle (SRP) comprises the heterodimer of proteins SRP9 and SRP14 bound to the 5' and 3' terminal sequences of SRP RNA. It retards the ribosomal elongation of signal-peptide-containing proteins before their engagement with the translocation machinery in the endoplasmic reticulum. Here we report two crystal structures of the heterodimer SRP9/14 bound either to the 5' domain or to a construct containing both 5' and 3' domains. We present a model of the complete Alu domain that is consistent with extensive biochemical data. SRP9/14 binds strongly to the conserved core of the 5' domain, which forms a U-turn connecting two helical stacks. Reversible docking of the more weakly bound 3' domain might be functionally important in the mechanism of translational regulation. The Alu domain structure is probably conserved in other cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein particles and retroposition intermediates containing SRP9/14-bound RNAs transcribed from Alu repeats or related elements in genomic DNA.     

Substrate twinning activates the signal recognition particle and its receptor

Signal sequences target proteins for secretion from cells or for integration into cell membranes. As nascent proteins emerge from the ribosome, signal sequences are recognized by the signal recognition particle (SRP), which subsequently associates with its receptor (SR). In this complex, the SRP and SR stimulate each other's GTPase activity, and GTP hydrolysis ensures unidirectional targeting of cargo through a translocation pore in the membrane. To define the mechanism of reciprocal activation, we determined the 1.9 A structure of the complex formed between these two GTPases. The two partners form a quasi-two-fold symmetrical heterodimer. Biochemical analysis supports the importance of the extensive interaction surface. Complex formation aligns the two GTP molecules in a symmetrical, composite active site, and the 3'OH groups are essential for association, reciprocal activation and catalysis. This unique circle of twinned interactions is severed twice on hydrolysis, leading to complex dissociation after cargo delivery.     

Following the signal sequence from ribosomal tunnel exit to signal recognition particle

Membrane and secretory proteins can be co-translationally inserted into or translocated across the membrane. This process is dependent on signal sequence recognition on the ribosome by the signal recognition particle (SRP), which results in targeting of the ribosome-nascent-chain complex to the protein-conducting channel at the membrane. Here we present an ensemble of structures at subnanometre resolution, revealing the signal sequence both at the ribosomal tunnel exit and in the bacterial and eukaryotic ribosome-SRP complexes. Molecular details of signal sequence interaction in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic complexes were obtained by fitting high-resolution molecular models. The signal sequence is presented at the ribosomal tunnel exit in an exposed position ready for accommodation in the hydrophobic groove of the rearranged SRP54 M domain. Upon ribosome binding, the SRP54 NG domain also undergoes a conformational rearrangement, priming it for the subsequent docking reaction with the NG domain of the SRP receptor. These findings provide the structural basis for improving our understanding of the early steps of co-translational protein sorting.     

Model for signal sequence recognition from amino-acid sequence of 54K subunit of signal recognition particle

Protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum in mammalian cells is catalysed by signal recognition particle (SRP). Cross-linking experiments have shown that the subunit of relative molecular mass 54,000 (Mr 54K; SRP54) interacts directly with signal sequences as they emerge from the ribosome. Here we present the sequence of a complementary DNA clone of SRP54 which predicts a protein that contains a putative GTP-binding domain and an unusually methionine-rich domain. The properties of this latter domain suggest that it contains the signal sequence binding site. A previously uncharacterized Escherichia coli protein has strong homology to both domains. Closely homologous GTP-binding domains are also found in the alpha-subunit of the SRP receptor (SR alpha, docking protein) in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and in a second E. coli protein, ftsY, which resembles SR alpha. Recent work has shown that SR alpha is a GTP-binding protein and that GTP is required for the release of SRP from the signal sequence and the ribosome on targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. We propose that SRP54 and SR alpha use GTP in sequential steps of the targeting reaction and that essential features of such a pathway are conserved from bacteria to mammals.     

Signal recognition particle contains a 7S RNA essential for protein translocation across the endoplasmic reticulum

In addition to its previously characterized, six different polypeptide components, signal recognition protein--which functions in protein translocation across and integration into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane--contains a 7S RNA molecule. The RNA is closely identified with the small cytoplasmic 7SL RNA and is required for both structural and functional properties of signal recognition protein--which we therefore rename signal recognition particle.     

Structure of the signal recognition particle interacting with the elongation-arrested ribosome

Cotranslational translocation of proteins across or into membranes is a vital process in all kingdoms of life. It requires that the translating ribosome be targeted to the membrane by the signal recognition particle (SRP), an evolutionarily conserved ribonucleoprotein particle. SRP recognizes signal sequences of nascent protein chains emerging from the ribosome. Subsequent binding of SRP leads to a pause in peptide elongation and to the ribosome docking to the membrane-bound SRP receptor. Here we present the structure of a targeting complex consisting of mammalian SRP bound to an active 80S ribosome carrying a signal sequence. This structure, solved to 12 A by cryo-electron microscopy, enables us to generate a molecular model of SRP in its functional conformation. The model shows how the S domain of SRP contacts the large ribosomal subunit at the nascent chain exit site to bind the signal sequence, and that the Alu domain reaches into the elongation-factor-binding site of the ribosome, explaining its elongation arrest activity.     

Topology of signal recognition particle receptor in endoplasmic reticulum membrane

The signal recognition particle (SRP) receptor is an integral membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum which, in conjunction with SRP, ensures the correct targeting of nascent secretory proteins to this membrane system. From the complementary DNA sequence we have deduced the complete primary structure of the SRP receptor and established that its amino-terminal region is anchored in the membrane. The anchor fragment and the cytoplasmic fragment contribute jointly to a functionally important region which is highly charged and may function in nucleic acid binding.     

The signal sequence of nascent preprolactin interacts with the 54K polypeptide of the signal recognition particle

Hydrophobic signal sequences direct the translocation of nascent secretory proteins and many membrane proteins across the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. Initiation of this process involves the signal recognition particle (SRP), which consists of six polypeptide chains and a 7S RNA and interacts with ribosomes carrying nascent secretory polypeptide chains. In the case of aminoterminal, cleavable signal sequences, in the absence of microsomal membranes it exerts a site-specific translational arrest in vitro. The size of the arrested fragment (60-70 amino-acid residues) suggests that elongation stops when the signal sequence has emerged fully from the ribosome. However, a direct interaction between the signal sequence and SRP has not previously been demonstrated and has even been questioned recently. We now show for the first time a direct interaction between the signal sequence of a secretory protein and a component of SRP, the 45K polypeptide (relative molecular mass (Mr) 54,000). This was achieved by means of a new method of affinity labelling which involves the translational incorporation of an amino acid, carrying a photoreactive group, into nascent polypeptides.     

SEC65 gene product is a subunit of the yeast signal recognition particle required for its integrity.

Protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in mammalian cells is catalysed by the signal recognition particle (SRP), which consists of six protein subunits and an RNA subunit. Saccharomyces cerevisiae SRP is a 16S particle, of which only two subunits have been identified: a protein subunit, SRP54p, which is homologous to the mammalian SRP54 subunit, and an RNA subunit, scR1 (ref. 3). The sec65-1 mutant yeast cells are temperature-sensitive for growth and defective in the translocation of several secreted and membrane-bound proteins. The DNA sequence of the SEC65 gene suggests that its product is related to mammalian SRP19 subunit and may have a similar function. Here we show that SEC65p is a subunit of the S. cerevisiae SRP and that it is required for the stable association of another subunit, SRP54p, with SRP. Overexpression of SRP54p suppresses both growth and protein translocation defects in sec65-1 mutant cells.     

Structure of the SRP19 RNA complex and implications for signal recognition particle assembly

The signal recognition particle (SRP) is a phylogenetically conserved ribonucleoprotein. It associates with ribosomes to mediate co-translational targeting of membrane and secretory proteins to biological membranes. In mammalian cells, the SRP consists of a 7S RNA and six protein components. The S domain of SRP comprises the 7S.S part of RNA bound to SRP19, SRP54 and the SRP68/72 heterodimer; SRP54 has the main role in recognizing signal sequences of nascent polypeptide chains and docking SRP to its receptor. During assembly of the SRP, binding of SRP19 precedes and promotes the association of SRP54 (refs 4, 5). Here we report the crystal structure at 2.3 A resolution of the complex formed between 7S.S RNA and SRP19 in the archaeon Methanococcus jannaschii. SRP19 bridges the tips of helices 6 and 8 of 7S.S RNA by forming an extensive network of direct protein RNA interactions. Helices 6 and 8 pack side by side; tertiary RNA interactions, which also involve the strictly conserved tetraloop bases, stabilize helix 8 in a conformation competent for SRP54 binding. The structure explains the role of SRP19 and provides a molecular framework for SRP54 binding and SRP assembly in Eukarya and Archaea.     

Structure of the E. coli signal recognition particle bound to a translating ribosome

The prokaryotic signal recognition particle (SRP) targets membrane proteins into the inner membrane. It binds translating ribosomes and screens the emerging nascent chain for a hydrophobic signal sequence, such as the transmembrane helix of inner membrane proteins. If such a sequence emerges, the SRP binds tightly, allowing the SRP receptor to lock on. This assembly delivers the ribosome-nascent chain complex to the protein translocation machinery in the membrane. Using cryo-electron microscopy and single-particle reconstruction, we obtained a 16 A structure of the Escherichia coli SRP in complex with a translating E. coli ribosome containing a nascent chain with a transmembrane helix anchor. We also obtained structural information on the SRP bound to an empty E. coli ribosome. The latter might share characteristics with a scanning SRP complex, whereas the former represents the next step: the targeting complex ready for receptor binding. High-resolution structures of the bacterial ribosome and of the bacterial SRP components are available, and their fitting explains our electron microscopic density. The structures reveal the regions that are involved in complex formation, provide insight into the conformation of the SRP on the ribosome and indicate the conformational changes that accompany high-affinity SRP binding to ribosome nascent chain complexes upon recognition of the signal sequence.     

天花粉蛋白结构改造对引产活性的影响

目的：研究结构改造对天花粉蛋白（ＴＣＳ）引产活性的影响。方法：利用定点突变将ＴＣＳ第２１９位的天冬酰胺残基改变为半胱氨酸残基（Ｑ２１９Ｃ）以供定点聚乙二醇（ＰＥＧ）修饰,测定修饰产物的致本失活活性及小鼠中期引产活性。结果：ＰＥＧ修饰使的致核糖体失活活性约降低９０％;相对分子质量为５０００的ＰＥＧ修饰对引产活性无明显影响,而相对分子质量为２００００的ＰＥＧ修饰却明显增强引产活性;此外,ＰＥＧ修饰使Ｔ     

线性正则变换域的窄带信号表示及其抽样理论

窄带信号广泛应用在雷达、声呐、通信、定位、生物医学工程等领域,传统的抽样理论已经研究了傅里叶变换域窄带信号的抽样和重构实现.线性正则变换(LCT)是傅里叶变换、分数阶傅里叶变换(FrFT)的推广形式,相应的抽样理论还不十分完善,因此有必要在LCT域重新研究窄带信号的抽样定理.从LCT的定义和性质入手,首先给出了信号基于LCT的Hilbert变换以及LCT域窄带信号的时域表示形式;然后在此基础上导出了LCT域窄带信号的抽样定理和重构实现公式,这些结论是传统窄带信号抽样理论在线性正则变换域的推广.最后,仿真实验进一步验证了结论的正确性.     

Ha-Ras augments c-Jun activity and stimulates phosphorylation of its activation domain

Ha-Ras augments c-Jun-mediated transactivation by potentiating the activity of the c-Jun activation domain. Ha-Ras also causes a corresponding increase in phosphorylation of specific sites in that part of the c-Jun protein. A Ha-Ras-induced protein kinase cascade resulting in hyperphosphorylation of the c-Jun activation domain could explain how these oncoproteins cooperate to transform rat embryo fibroblasts.     

组氨酸残基在焦磷酸:果糖-6-磷酸1-磷酸转移酶催化功能中的作用

应用焦碳酸二乙酯(DEPC)对焦磷酸:果糖-6-磷酸1-磷酸转移酶(PFP)进行化学修饰时,酶的活性迅速丧失,呈拟一级动力学反应.羟胺的复活作用及修饰后酶的紫外光谱变化表明,酶失活的原因是DEPC与酶的组氨酸残基形成了乙酯基组氨酸复合物.失活动力学表明,酶的活性位点结合1分子DEPC即丧失活性.活性位点的组氨酸残基的完整性是酶活性的必要条件之一.底物F6P、产物果糖1,6-二磷酸(FBP)、P i及激活剂果糖2,6-二磷酸(F2,6BP)均可保护酶免被DEPC失活,底物PP i却没有保护作用.组氨酸残基在酶的催化功能中可能与F6P,FBP及P i的结合过程有关,而与PP i无关.     

桑叶多糖的分离纯化及其抗凝血活性的研究

为了研究桑叶多糖不同组分在体外的抗凝血活性,采用水提醇沉法提取桑叶粗多糖,聚酰胺进行脱色和脱蛋白。用DEAE sepharose CL-6B 和 sepharose CL-6B 对桑叶多糖进行纯化,得到5种水溶性多糖组分(MPS-1、MPS-2a、MPS-2b、MPS-2c和 MPS-3)。单糖检测结果表明：桑叶多糖主要是由半乳糖、葡萄糖、鼠李糖、阿拉伯糖、木糖和甘露糖等组成。体外抗凝血活性检测显示5种桑叶多糖组分均能延长活化部分凝血活酶时间(activated partial thromboplastin time,APTT)和凝血酶时间(thrombin time,TT)、而对凝血酶原时间(prothrombin time,PT)影响不显著,说明它们是通过影响内源性途径或共同途径而发挥抗凝血作用;与对照相比,MPS-2b在试验浓度范围内对 APTT 和 TT 的效果达到极显著,表明 MPS-2b 有潜力开发成抗凝血活性物质。     

Myristylation of picornavirus capsid protein VP4 and its structural significance

We have obtained evidence that poliovirus and other picornavirus particles are specifically modified by having myristic acid covalently bound to a capsid protein. The electron density map of poliovirus confirms the position of the myristate molecule and defines its location in the virus particle. Analogies with other myristylated proteins suggest that the myristate moiety in picornaviruses may be involved in capsid assembly or in the entry of virus into cells.     

基于频域去相关的语音信号分离

目前基于纯净语音信号的语音识别系统和说话人识别系统都已达到了很高的识别率,但是当信号中含有噪声,特别是含有语音噪声时,识别率就会大大降低.解决这一问题的关键是实现语音与噪声的自动分离.考虑到语音信号的非平稳特性,把时域去相关的思想推广到频域,提出了频域去相关算法,实验结果显示了算法的有效性.