Molecular code for protein insertion in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane is similar for N(in)-C(out) and N(out)-C(in) transmembrane helices

Expression level of Sec62 modulates membrane insertion of marginally hydrophobic segments

In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, transmembrane (TM) domain insertion occurs through the Sec61 channel with its auxiliary components, including Sec62. Sec62 interacts with the Sec61 channel and is located on the front side of the Sec61 lateral gate, an entry site for TM domains to the lipid bilayer. Overexpression of Sec62 led to a growth defect in yeast, and we investigated its effects on protein translocation and membrane insertion by pulse labeling of Sec62 client proteins. Our data show that the insertion efficiency of marginally hydrophobic TM segments is reduced upon Sec62 overexpression. This result suggests a potential regulatory role of Sec62 as a gatekeeper of the lateral gate, thereby modulating the insertion threshold of TM segments.

Spiers Memorial Lecture: Analysis and de novo design of membrane-interactive peptides

Membrane-peptide interactions play critical roles in many cellular and organismic functions, including protection from infection, remodeling of membranes, signaling, and ion transport. Peptides interact with membranes in a variety of ways: some associate with membrane surfaces in either intrinsically disordered conformations or well-defined secondary structures. Peptides with sufficient hydrophobicity can also insert vertically as transmembrane monomers, and many associate further into membrane-spanning helical bundles. Indeed, some peptides progress through each of these stages in the process of forming oligomeric bundles. In each case, the structure of the peptide and the membrane represent a delicate balance between peptide-membrane and peptide-peptide interactions. We will review this literature from the perspective of several biologically important systems, including antimicrobial peptides and their mimics, α-synuclein, receptor tyrosine kinases, and ion channels. We also discuss the use of de novo design to construct models to test our understanding of the underlying principles and to provide useful leads for pharmaceutical intervention of diseases.

Efficient integration of transmembrane domains depends on the folding properties of the upstream sequences

The topology of membrane proteins is defined by the successive integration of α-helical transmembrane domains at the Sec61 translocon. For each polypeptide segment of ∼20 residues entering the translocon, their combined hydrophobicities were previously shown to define membrane integration. Here, we discovered that different sequences preceding a potential transmembrane domain substantially affect the hydrophobicity threshold. Sequences that are rapidly folding, intrinsically disordered, very short, or strongly binding chaperones allow efficient integration at low hydrophobicity. Folding deficient mutant domains and artificial sequences not binding chaperones interfered with membrane integration likely by remaining partially unfolded and exposing hydrophobic surfaces that compete with the translocon for the emerging transmembrane segment, reducing integration efficiency. Rapid folding or strong chaperone binding thus promote efficient integration.

The topology of most membrane proteins is defined by the successive integration of α-helical transmembrane domains at the Sec61 translocon. The translocon provides a pore for the transfer of polypeptide segments across the membrane while giving them lateral access to the lipid. For each polypeptide segment of ∼20 residues, the combined hydrophobicities of its constituent amino acids were previously shown to define the extent of membrane integration. Here, we discovered that different sequences preceding a potential transmembrane domain substantially affect its hydrophobicity requirement for integration. Rapidly folding domains, sequences that are intrinsically disordered or very short or capable of binding chaperones with high affinity, allow for efficient transmembrane integration with low-hydrophobicity thresholds for both orientations in the membrane. In contrast, long protein fragments, folding-deficient mutant domains, and artificial sequences not binding chaperones interfered with membrane integration, requiring higher hydrophobicity. We propose that the latter sequences, as they compact on their hydrophobic residues, partially folded but unable to reach a native state, expose hydrophobic surfaces that compete with the translocon for the emerging transmembrane segment, reducing integration efficiency. The results suggest that rapid folding or strong chaperone binding is required for efficient transmembrane integration.

Spc1 regulates the signal peptidase-mediated processing of membrane proteins

Signal peptidase (SPase) cleaves the signal sequences (SSs) of secretory precursors. It contains an evolutionarily conserved membrane protein subunit, Spc1, that is dispensable for the catalytic activity of SPase and whose role remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the function of yeast Spc1. First, we set up an in vivo SPase cleavage assay using variants of the secretory protein carboxypeptidase Y (CPY) with SSs modified in the N-terminal and hydrophobic core regions. When comparing the SS cleavage efficiencies of these variants in cells with or without Spc1, we found that signal-anchored sequences became more susceptible to cleavage by SPase without Spc1. Furthermore, SPase-mediated processing of model membrane proteins was enhanced in the absence of Spc1 and was reduced upon overexpression of Spc1. Spc1 co-immunoprecipitated with proteins carrying uncleaved signal-anchored or transmembrane (TM) segments. Taken together, these results suggest that Spc1 protects TM segments from SPase action, thereby sharpening SPase substrate selection and acting as a negative regulator of the SPase-mediated processing of membrane proteins.

Membrane integration and topology of RIFIN and STEVOR proteins of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite

The malarial parasite Plasmodium exports its own proteins to the cell surfaces of red blood cells (RBCs) during infection. Examples of exported proteins include members of the repetitive interspersed family (RIFIN) and subtelomeric variable open reading frame (STEVOR) family of proteins from Plasmodium falciparum. The presence of these parasite-derived proteins on surfaces of infected RBCs triggers the adhesion of infected cells to uninfected cells (rosetting) and to the vascular endothelium potentially obstructing blood flow. While there is a fair amount of information on the localization of these proteins on the cell surfaces of RBCs, less is known about how they can be exported to the membrane and the topologies they can adopt during the process. The first step of export is plausibly the cotranslational insertion of proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the parasite, and here, we investigate the insertion of three RIFIN and two STEVOR proteins into the ER membrane. We employ a well-established experimental system that uses N-linked glycosylation of sites within the protein as a measure to assess the extent of membrane insertion and the topology it assumes when inserted into the ER membrane. Our results indicate that for all the proteins tested, transmembranes (TMs) 1 and 3 integrate into the membrane, so that the protein assumes an overall topology of Ncyt-Ccyt. We also show that the segment predicted to be TM2 for each of the proteins likely does not reside in the membrane, but is translocated to the lumen.

Harmonizing Experimental Data with Modeling to Predict Membrane Protein Insertion in Yeast

Membrane proteins must adopt their proper topologies within biological membranes, but achieving the correct topology is compromised by the presence of marginally hydrophobic transmembrane helices (TMHs). In this study, we report on a new model membrane protein in yeast that harbors two TMHs fused to an unstable nucleotide-binding domain. Because the second helix (TMH2) in this reporter has an unfavorable predicted free energy of insertion, we employed established methods to generate variants that alter TMH2 insertion free energy. We first found that altering TMH2 did not significantly affect the extent of protein degradation by the cellular quality control machinery. Next, we correlated predicted insertion free energies from a knowledge-based energy scale with the measured apparent free energies of TMH2 insertion. Although the predicted and apparent insertion energies showed a similar trend, the predicted free-energy changes spanned an unanticipated narrow range. By instead using a physics-based model, we obtained a broader range of free energies that agreed considerably better with the magnitude of the experimentally derived values. Nevertheless, some variants still inserted better in yeast than predicted from energy-based scales. Therefore, molecular dynamics simulations were performed and indicated that the corresponding mutations induced conformational changes within TMH2, which altered the number of stabilizing hydrogen bonds. Together, our results offer insight into the ability of the cellular quality control machinery to recognize conformationally distinct misfolded topomers, provide a model to assess TMH insertion in vivo, and indicate that TMH insertion energy scales may be limited depending on the specific protein and the mutation present.

Murine astrotactins 1 and 2 have a similar membrane topology and mature via endoproteolytic cleavage catalyzed by a signal peptidase

Astrotactin 1 (Astn1) and Astn2 are membrane proteins that function in glial-guided migration, receptor trafficking, and synaptic plasticity in the brain as well as in planar polarity pathways in the skin. Here we used glycosylation mapping and protease protection approaches to map the topologies of mouse Astn1 and Astn2 in rough microsomal membranes and found that Astn2 has a cleaved N-terminal signal peptide, an N-terminal domain located in the lumen of the rough microsomal membranes (topologically equivalent to the extracellular surface in cells), two transmembrane helices, and a large C-terminal lumenal domain. We also found that Astn1 has the same topology as Astn2, but we did not observe any evidence of signal peptide cleavage in Astn1. Both Astn1 and Astn2 mature through endoproteolytic cleavage in the second transmembrane helix; importantly, we identified the endoprotease responsible for the maturation of Astn1 and Astn2 as the endoplasmic reticulum signal peptidase. Differences in the degree of Astn1 and Astn2 maturation possibly contribute to the higher levels of the C-terminal domain of Astn1 detected on neuronal membranes of the central nervous system. These differences may also explain the distinct cellular functions of Astn1 and Astn2, such as in membrane adhesion, receptor trafficking, and planar polarity signaling.

Gene Duplication Leads to Altered Membrane Topology of a Cytochrome P450 Enzyme in Seed Plants

Evolution of the phenolic metabolism was critical for the transition of plants from water to land. A cytochrome P450, CYP73, with cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) activity, catalyzes the first plant-specific and rate-limiting step in this pathway. The CYP73 gene is absent from green algae, and first detected in bryophytes. A CYP73 duplication occurred in the ancestor of seed plants and was retained in Taxaceae and most angiosperms. In spite of a clear divergence in primary sequence, both paralogs can fulfill comparable cinnamate hydroxylase roles both in vitro and in vivo. One of them seems dedicated to the biosynthesis of lignin precursors. Its N-terminus forms a single membrane spanning helix and its properties and length are highly constrained. The second is characterized by an elongated and variable N-terminus, reminiscent of ancestral CYP73s. Using as proxies the Brachypodium distachyon proteins, we show that the elongation of the N-terminus does not result in an altered subcellular localization, but in a distinct membrane topology. Insertion in the membrane of endoplasmic reticulum via a double-spanning open hairpin structure allows reorientation to the lumen of the catalytic domain of the protein. In agreement with participation to a different functional unit and supramolecular organization, the protein displays modified heme proximal surface. These data suggest the evolution of divergent C4H enzymes feeding different branches of the phenolic network in seed plants. It shows that specialization required for retention of gene duplicates may result from altered protein topology rather than change in enzyme activity.

Applications of Single-Molecule Methods to Membrane Protein Folding Studies

Protein folding is a fundamental life process with many implications throughout biology and medicine. Consequently, there have been enormous efforts to understand how proteins fold. Almost all of this effort has focused on water-soluble proteins, however, leaving membrane proteins largely wandering in the wilderness. The neglect has occurred not because membrane proteins are unimportant but rather because they present many theoretical and technical complications. Indeed, quantitative membrane protein folding studies are generally restricted to a handful of well-behaved proteins. Single-molecule methods may greatly alter this picture, however, because the ability to work at or near infinite dilution removes aggregation problems, one of the main technical challenges of membrane protein folding studies.

Refined topology model of the STT3/Stt3 protein subunit of the oligosaccharyltransferase complex

The oligosaccharyltransferase complex, localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells, is responsible for the N-linked glycosylation of numerous protein substrates. The membrane protein STT3 is a highly conserved part of the oligosaccharyltransferase and likely contains the active site of the complex. However, understanding the catalytic determinants of this system has been challenging, in part because of a discrepancy in the structural topology of the bacterial versus eukaryotic proteins and incomplete information about the mechanism of membrane integration. Here, we use a glycosylation mapping approach to investigate these questions. We measured the membrane integration efficiency of the mouse STT3-A and yeast Stt3p transmembrane domains (TMDs) and report a refined topology of the N-terminal half of the mouse STT3-A. Our results show that most of the STT3 TMDs are well inserted into the ER membrane on their own or in the presence of the natural flanking residues. However, for the mouse STT3-A hydrophobic domains 4 and 6 and yeast Stt3p domains 2, 3a, 3c, and 6 we measured reduced insertion efficiency into the ER membrane. Furthermore, we mapped the first half of the STT3-A protein, finding two extra hydrophobic domains between the third and the fourth TMD. This result indicates that the eukaryotic STT3 has 13 transmembrane domains, consistent with the structure of the bacterial homolog of STT3 and setting the stage for future combined efforts to interrogate this fascinating system.

Membrane insertion and topology of the translocon-associated protein (TRAP) gamma subunit

Translocon-associated protein (TRAP) complex is intimately associated with the ER translocon for the insertion or translocation of newly synthesised proteins in eukaryotic cells. The TRAP complex is comprised of three single-spanning and one multiple-spanning subunits. We have investigated the membrane insertion and topology of the multiple-spanning TRAP-γ subunit by glycosylation mapping and green fluorescent protein fusions both in vitro and in cell cultures. Results demonstrate that TRAP-γ has four transmembrane (TM) segments, an Nt/Ct cytosolic orientation and that the less hydrophobic TM segment inserts efficiently into the membrane only in the cellular context of full-length protein.

Mycolactone subverts immunity by selectively blocking the Sec61 translocon

Mycolactone, an immunosuppressive macrolide released by the human pathogen Mycobacterium ulcerans, was previously shown to impair Sec61-dependent protein translocation, but the underlying molecular mechanism was not identified. In this study, we show that mycolactone directly targets the α subunit of the Sec61 translocon to block the production of secreted and integral membrane proteins with high potency. We identify a single-amino acid mutation conferring resistance to mycolactone, which localizes its interaction site near the lumenal plug of Sec61α. Quantitative proteomics reveals that during T cell activation, mycolactone-mediated Sec61 blockade affects a selective subset of secretory proteins including key signal-transmitting receptors and adhesion molecules. Expression of mutant Sec61α in mycolactone-treated T cells rescued their homing potential and effector functions. Furthermore, when expressed in macrophages, the mycolactone-resistant mutant restored IFN-γ receptor-mediated antimicrobial responses. Thus, our data provide definitive genetic evidence that Sec61 is the host receptor mediating the diverse immunomodulatory effects of mycolactone and identify Sec61 as a novel regulator of immune cell functions.

Membrane insertion and topology of the amino-terminal domain TMD0 of multidrug-resistance associated protein 6 (MRP6)

The function of the ATP-binding cassette transporter MRP6 is unknown but mutations in its gene cause pseudoxanthoma elasticum. We have investigated the membrane topology of the N-terminal transmembrane domain TMD0 of MRP6 and the membrane integration and orientation propensities of its transmembrane segments (TMs) by glycosylation mapping. Results demonstrate that TMD0 has five TMs, an Nout-Cin topology and that the less hydrophobic TMs have strong preference for their orientation in the membrane that affects the neighboring TMs. Two disease-causing mutations changing the number of positive charges in the loops of TMD0 did not affect the membrane insertion efficiencies of the adjacent TMs.

Viroporins, Examples of the Two-Stage Membrane Protein Folding Model

Viroporins are small, α-helical, hydrophobic virus encoded proteins, engineered to form homo-oligomeric hydrophilic pores in the host membrane. Viroporins participate in multiple steps of the viral life cycle, from entry to budding. As any other membrane protein, viroporins have to find the way to bury their hydrophobic regions into the lipid bilayer. Once within the membrane, the hydrophobic helices of viroporins interact with each other to form higher ordered structures required to correctly perform their porating activities. This two-step process resembles the two-stage model proposed for membrane protein folding by Engelman and Poppot. In this review we use the membrane protein folding model as a leading thread to analyze the mechanism and forces behind the membrane insertion and folding of viroporins. We start by describing the transmembrane segment architecture of viroporins, including the number and sequence characteristics of their membrane-spanning domains. Next, we connect the differences found among viroporin families to their viral genome organization, and finalize focusing on the pathways used by viroporins in their way to the membrane and on the transmembrane helix-helix interactions required to achieve proper folding and assembly.

Folding and Intramembraneous BRICHOS Binding of the Prosurfactant Protein C Transmembrane Segment

Surfactant protein C (SP-C) is a novel amyloid protein found in the lung tissue of patients suffering from interstitial lung disease (ILD) due to mutations in the gene of the precursor protein pro-SP-C. SP-C is a small α-helical hydrophobic protein with an unusually high content of valine residues. SP-C is prone to convert into β-sheet aggregates, forming amyloid fibrils. Nature's way of solving this folding problem is to include a BRICHOS domain in pro-SP-C, which functions as a chaperone for SP-C during biosynthesis. Mutations in the pro-SP-C BRICHOS domain or linker region lead to amyloid formation of the SP-C protein and ILD. In this study, we used an in vitro transcription/translation system to study translocon-mediated folding of the WT pro-SP-C poly-Val and a designed poly-Leu transmembrane (TM) segment in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Furthermore, to understand how the pro-SP-C BRICHOS domain present in the ER lumen can interact with the TM segment of pro-SP-C, we studied the membrane insertion properties of the recombinant form of the pro-SP-C BRICHOS domain and two ILD-associated mutants. The results show that the co-translational folding of the WT pro-SP-C TM segment is inefficient, that the BRICHOS domain inserts into superficial parts of fluid membranes, and that BRICHOS membrane insertion is promoted by poly-Val peptides present in the membrane. In contrast, one BRICHOS and one non-BRICHOS ILD-associated mutant could not insert into membranes. These findings support a chaperone function of the BRICHOS domain, possibly together with the linker region, during pro-SP-C biosynthesis in the ER.

Marginally hydrophobic transmembrane α-helices shaping membrane protein folding

Cells have developed an incredible machinery to facilitate the insertion of membrane proteins into the membrane. While we have a fairly good understanding of the mechanism and determinants of membrane integration, more data is needed to understand the insertion of membrane proteins with more complex insertion and folding pathways. This review will focus on marginally hydrophobic transmembrane helices and their influence on membrane protein folding. These weakly hydrophobic transmembrane segments are by themselves not recognized by the translocon and therefore rely on local sequence context for membrane integration. How can such segments reside within the membrane? We will discuss this in the light of features found in the protein itself as well as the environment it resides in. Several characteristics in proteins have been described to influence the insertion of marginally hydrophobic helices. Additionally, the influence of biological membranes is significant. To begin with, the actual cost for having polar groups within the membrane may not be as high as expected; the presence of proteins in the membrane as well as characteristics of some amino acids may enable a transmembrane helix to harbor a charged residue. The lipid environment has also been shown to directly influence the topology as well as membrane boundaries of transmembrane helices-implying a dynamic relationship between membrane proteins and their environment.

Differential repositioning of the second transmembrane helices from E. coli Tar and EnvZ upon moving the flanking aromatic residues

Aromatic tuning, i.e. repositioning aromatic residues found at the cytoplasmic end of transmembrane (TM) domains within bacterial receptors, has been previously shown to modulate signal output from the aspartate chemoreceptor (Tar) and the major osmosensor EnvZ of Escherichia coli. In the case of Tar, changes in signal output consistent with the vertical position of the native Trp-Tyr aromatic tandem within TM2 were observed. In contrast, within EnvZ, where a Trp-Leu-Phe aromatic triplet was repositioned, the surface that the triplet resided upon was the major determinant governing signal output. However, these studies failed to determine whether moving the aromatic residues was sufficient to physically reposition the TM helix within a membrane. Recent coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CG-MD) simulations predicted displacement of Tar TM2 upon moving the aromatic residues at the cytoplasmic end of the helix. Here, we demonstrate that repositioning the Trp-Tyr tandem within Tar TM2 displaces the C-terminal boundary of the helix relative to the membrane. In a similar analysis of EnvZ, an abrupt initial displacement of TM2 was observed but no subsequent movement was seen, suggesting that the vertical position of TM2 is not governed by the location of the Trp-Leu-Phe triplet. Our results also provide another set of experimental data, i.e. the resistance of EnvZ TM2 to being displaced upon aromatic tuning, which could be useful for subsequent refinement of the initial CG-MD simulations. Finally, we discuss the limitations of these methodologies, how moving flanking aromatic residues might impact steady-state signal output and the potential to employ aromatic tuning in other bacterial membrane-spanning receptors.

Thermodynamics of Membrane Insertion and Refolding of the Diphtheria Toxin T-Domain

The diphtheria toxin translocation (T) domain inserts into the endosomal membrane in response to the endosomal acidification and enables the delivery of the catalytic domain into the cell. The insertion pathway consists of a series of conformational changes that occur in solution and in the membrane and leads to the conversion of a water-soluble state into a transmembrane state. In this work, we utilize various biophysical techniques to characterize the insertion pathway from the thermodynamic perspective. Thermal and chemical unfolding measured by differential scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism, and tryptophan fluorescence reveal that the free energy of unfolding of the T-domain at neutral and mildly acidic pH differ by 3-5 kcal/mol, depending on the experimental conditions. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements show that the free energy change from the membrane-competent state to the interfacial state is approximately -8 kcal/mol and is pH-independent, while that from the membrane-competent state to the transmembrane state ranges between -9.5 and -12 kcal/mol, depending on the membrane lipid composition and pH. Finally, the thermodynamics of transmembrane insertion of individual helices was tested using an in vitro assay that measures the translocon-assisted integration of test sequences into the microsomal membrane. These experiments suggest that even the most hydrophobic helix TH8 has only a small favorable free energy of insertion. The free energy for the insertion of the consensus insertion unit TH8-TH9 is slightly more favorable, yet less favorable than that measured for the entire protein, suggesting a cooperative effect for the membrane insertion of the helices of the T-domain.

The Sec62-Sec63 translocon facilitates translocation of the C-terminus of membrane proteins

The Sec62-Sec63 complex mediates post-translational translocation of a subset of primarily secretory proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in yeast. Therefore, it has been thought that membrane proteins, which are mainly co-translationally targeted into the ER, are not handled by the Sec62-Sec63 translocon. By systematic analysis of single and multi-spanning membrane proteins with broad sequence context [with differing hydrophobicity, flanking charged residues and orientation of transmembrane (TM) segments], we show that mutations in the N-terminal cytosolic domain of yeast Sec62 impair its interaction with Sec63 and lead to defects in membrane insertion and translocation of the C-terminus of membrane proteins. These results suggest that there is an unappreciated function of the Sec62-Sec63 translocon in regulating topogenesis of membrane proteins in the eukaryotic cell.

Folding of Aquaporin 1: multiple evidence that helix 3 can shift out of the membrane core

The folding of most integral membrane proteins follows a two-step process: initially, individual transmembrane helices are inserted into the membrane by the Sec translocon. Thereafter, these helices fold to shape the final conformation of the protein. However, for some proteins, including Aquaporin 1 (AQP1), the folding appears to follow a more complicated path. AQP1 has been reported to first insert as a four-helical intermediate, where helix 2 and 4 are not inserted into the membrane. In a second step, this intermediate is folded into a six-helical topology. During this process, the orientation of the third helix is inverted. Here, we propose a mechanism for how this reorientation could be initiated: first, helix 3 slides out from the membrane core resulting in that the preceding loop enters the membrane. The final conformation could then be formed as helix 2, 3, and 4 are inserted into the membrane and the reentrant regions come together. We find support for the first step in this process by showing that the loop preceding helix 3 can insert into the membrane. Further, hydrophobicity curves, experimentally measured insertion efficiencies and MD-simulations suggest that the barrier between these two hydrophobic regions is relatively low, supporting the idea that helix 3 can slide out of the membrane core, initiating the rearrangement process.

The positive inside rule is stronger when followed by a transmembrane helix

The translocon recognizes transmembrane helices with sufficient level of hydrophobicity and inserts them into the membrane. However, sometimes less hydrophobic helices are also recognized. Positive inside rule, orientational preferences of and specific interactions with neighboring helices have been shown to aid in the recognition of these helices, at least in artificial systems. To better understand how the translocon inserts marginally hydrophobic helices, we studied three naturally occurring marginally hydrophobic helices, which were previously shown to require the subsequent helix for efficient translocon recognition. We find no evidence for specific interactions when we scan all residues in the subsequent helices. Instead, we identify arginines located at the N-terminal part of the subsequent helices that are crucial for the recognition of the marginally hydrophobic transmembrane helices, indicating that the positive inside rule is important. However, in two of the constructs, these arginines do not aid in the recognition without the rest of the subsequent helix; that is, the positive inside rule alone is not sufficient. Instead, the improved recognition of marginally hydrophobic helices can here be explained as follows: the positive inside rule provides an orientational preference of the subsequent helix, which in turn allows the marginally hydrophobic helix to be inserted; that is, the effect of the positive inside rule is stronger if positively charged residues are followed by a transmembrane helix. Such a mechanism obviously cannot aid C-terminal helices, and consequently, we find that the terminal helices in multi-spanning membrane proteins are more hydrophobic than internal helices.

Structural and functional profiling of the lateral gate of the Sec61 translocon

The evolutionarily conserved Sec61 translocon mediates the translocation and membrane insertion of proteins. For the integration of proteins into the membrane, the Sec61 translocon opens laterally to the lipid bilayer. Previous studies suggest that the lateral opening of the channel is mediated by the helices TM2b and TM7 of a pore-forming subunit of the Sec61 translocon. To map key residues in TM2b and TM7 in yeast Sec61 that modulate lateral gating activity, we performed alanine scanning and in vivo site-directed photocross-linking experiments. Alanine scanning identified two groups of critical residues in the lateral gate, one group that leads to defects in the translocation and membrane insertion of proteins and the other group that causes faster translocation and facilitates membrane insertion. Photocross-linking data show that the former group of residues is located at the interface of the lateral gate. Furthermore, different degrees of defects for the membrane insertion of single- and double-spanning membrane proteins were observed depending on whether the mutations were located in TM2b or TM7. These results demonstrate subtle differences in the molecular mechanism of the signal sequence binding/opening of the lateral gate and membrane insertion of a succeeding transmembrane segment in a polytopic membrane protein.

Large tilts in transmembrane helices can be induced during tertiary structure formation

While early structural models of helix-bundle integral membrane proteins posited that the transmembrane α-helices [transmembrane helices (TMHs)] were orientated more or less perpendicular to the membrane plane, there is now ample evidence from high-resolution structures that many TMHs have significant tilt angles relative to the membrane. Here, we address the question whether the tilt is an intrinsic property of the TMH in question or if it is imparted on the TMH during folding of the protein. Using a glycosylation mapping technique, we show that four highly tilted helices found in multi-spanning membrane proteins all have much shorter membrane-embedded segments when inserted by themselves into the membrane than seen in the high-resolution structures. This suggests that tilting can be induced by tertiary packing interactions within the protein, subsequent to the initial membrane-insertion step.

Changed membrane integration and catalytic site conformation are two mechanisms behind the increased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio by presenilin 1 familial Alzheimer-linked mutations

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Familial Alzheimer disease (FAD) mutations affect presenilin membrane integration.

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The transmembrane domains around the catalytic site are vulnerable to changes.

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All FAD mutations cause changes in the active site of the γ-secretase complex.

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The FAD mutants lead to a complex processing pattern of the amyloid precursor protein.

The enzyme complex γ-secretase generates amyloid β-peptide (Aβ), a 37–43-residue peptide associated with Alzheimer disease (AD). Mutations in presenilin 1 (PS1), the catalytical subunit of γ-secretase, result in familial AD (FAD). A unifying theme among FAD mutations is an alteration in the ratio Aβ species produced (the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio), but the molecular mechanisms responsible remain elusive. In this report we have studied the impact of several different PS1 FAD mutations on the integration of selected PS1 transmembrane domains and on PS1 active site conformation, and whether any effects translate to a particular amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing phenotype. Most mutations studied caused an increase in the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, but via different mechanisms. The mutations that caused a particular large increase in the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio did also display an impaired APP intracellular domain (AICD) formation and a lower total Aβ production. Interestingly, seven mutations close to the catalytic site caused a severely impaired integration of proximal transmembrane/hydrophobic sequences into the membrane. This structural defect did not correlate to a particular APP processing phenotype. Six selected FAD mutations, all of which exhibited different APP processing profiles and impact on PS1 transmembrane domain integration, were found to display an altered active site conformation. Combined, our data suggest that FAD mutations affect the PS1 structure and active site differently, resulting in several complex APP processing phenotypes, where the most aggressive mutations in terms of increased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio are associated with a decrease in total γ-secretase activity.

Functional asymmetry within the Sec61p translocon

The Sec61 translocon forms a pore to translocate polypeptide sequences across the membrane and offers a lateral gate for membrane integration of hydrophobic (H) segments. A central constriction of six apolar residues has been shown to form a seal, but also to determine the hydrophobicity threshold for membrane integration: Mutation of these residues in yeast Sec61p to glycines, serines, aspartates, or lysines lowered the hydrophobicity required for integration; mutation to alanines increased it. Whereas four leucines distributed in an oligo-alanine H segment were sufficient for 50% integration, we now find four leucines in the N-terminal half of the H segment to produce significantly more integration than in the C-terminal half, suggesting functional asymmetry within the translocon. Scanning a cluster of three leucines through an oligo-alanine H segment showed high integration levels, except around the position matching that of the hydrophobic constriction in the pore where integration was strongly reduced. Both asymmetry and the position effect of H-segment integration disappeared upon mutation of the constriction residues to glycines or serines, demonstrating that hydrophobicity at this position within the translocon is responsible for the phenomenon. Asymmetry was largely retained, however, when constriction residues were replaced by alanines. These results reflect on the integration mechanism of transmembrane domains and show that membrane insertion of H segments strongly depends not only on their intrinsic hydrophobicity but also on the local conditions in the translocon interior. Thus, the contribution of hydrophobic residues in the H segment is not simply additive and displays cooperativeness depending on their relative position.

Mammalian Prion protein expression in yeast; a model for transmembrane insertion

The prion protein (PrP), a GPI-anchored glycoprotein, is inefficiently secreted by mammalian microsomes, 50% being found as transmembrane (TM) proteins with the central TM1 segment spanning the membrane. TM1 hydrophobicity is marginal for lateral membrane insertion, which is primarily driven by hydrophobic interaction between the ER translocon and substrates in transit. Most inserted TM1 has its N-terminus in the ER lumen (Ntm orientation), as expected for arrest of normal secretion. However, 20% is found in inverted Ctm orientation. These are minor species in vivo, presumably a consequence of efficient quality control. PrP mutations that increase TM1 hydrophobicity result in increased Ctm insertion, both in vitro and in mouse brain, and a strong correlation is found between CtmPrP insertion and neuropathology in transgenic mice; a copper-dependent pathogenicity mechanism is suggested. PrP fusions with a C-terminal epitope tag, when expressed in yeast cells at moderate levels, appear to interact efficiently with the translocon, providing a useful model for testing the effects of PrP mutations on TM insertion and orientation. However, secretion of PrP by the mammalian translocon requires the TRAP complex, absent in yeast, where essentially all PrP ends up as TM species, 85-90% Ntm and 10-15% Ctm. Although yeast is, therefore, an incomplete mimic of mammalian PrP trafficking, effects on Ctm insertion of mutations increasing TM1 hydrophobicity closely reflect those seen in vitro. Electrostatic substrate-translocon interactions are a major determinant of TM protein insertion orientation and the yeast model was used to investigate the role of the large negative charge difference across TM1, a likely cause of translocation delay that would favor TM insertion and Ctm orientation. An increase in ΔCh from -5 to -7 caused a marked increase in Ctm insertion, while a decrease to -3 or -1 allowed 35 and about 65% secretion, respectively. Utility of the yeast model and the role of this charge difference in driving PrP membrane insertion are confirmed.

A short C-terminal tail prevents mis-targeting of hydrophobic mitochondrial membrane proteins to the ER

Sdh3/Shh3, a subunit of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase, contains transmembrane domains with a hydrophobicity comparable to that of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins. Here, we show that a C-terminal reporter fusion to Sdh3/Shh3 results in partial mis-targeting of the protein to the ER. This mis-targeting is mediated by the signal recognition particle (SRP) and depends on the length of the C-terminal tail. These results imply that if nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins contain strongly hydrophobic transmembrane domains and a long C-terminal tail, they have the potential to be recognized by SRP and mis-targeted to the ER.

The hepatitis B x antigen anti-apoptotic effector URG7 is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane

Hepatitis B x antigen up-regulates the liver expression of URG7 that contributes to sustain chronic virus infection and to increase the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma by its anti-apoptotic activity. We have investigated the subcellular localization of URG7 expressed in HepG2 cells and determined its membrane topology by glycosylation mapping in vitro. The results demonstrate that URG7 is N-glycosylated and located to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane with an Nlumen-Ccytosol orientation. The results imply that the anti-apoptotic effect of URG7 could arise from the C-terminal cytosolic tail binding a pro-apoptotic signaling factor and retaining it to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane.

Quantitative analysis of SecYEG-mediated insertion of transmembrane α-helices into the bacterial inner membrane

Most integral membrane proteins, both in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, are co-translationally inserted into the membrane via Sec-type translocons: the SecYEG complex in prokaryotes and the Sec61 complex in eukaryotes. The contributions of individual amino acids to the overall free energy of membrane insertion of single transmembrane α-helices have been measured for Sec61-mediated insertion into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane (Nature 450:1026-1030) but have not been systematically determined for SecYEG-mediated insertion into the bacterial inner membrane. We now report such measurements, carried out in Escherichia coli. Overall, there is a good correlation between the results found for the mammalian ER and the E. coli inner membrane, but the hydrophobicity threshold for SecYEG-mediated insertion is distinctly lower than that for Sec61-mediated insertion.

Sec62 protein mediates membrane insertion and orientation of moderately hydrophobic signal anchor proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

Nascent chains are known to be targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane either by a signal recognition particle (SRP)-dependent co-translational or by an SRP-independent post-translational translocation route depending on signal sequences. Using a set of model and cellular proteins carrying an N-terminal signal anchor sequence of controlled hydrophobicity and yeast mutant strains defective in SRP or Sec62 function, the hydrophobicity-dependent targeting efficiency and targeting pathway preference were systematically evaluated. Our results suggest that an SRP-dependent co-translational and an SRP-independent post-translational translocation are not mutually exclusive for signal anchor proteins and that moderately hydrophobic ones require both SRP and Sec62 for proper targeting and translocation to the endoplasmic reticulum. Further, defect in Sec62 selectively reduced signal sequences inserted in an N(in)-C(out) (type II) membrane topology, implying an undiscovered role of Sec62 in regulating the orientation of the signal sequence in an early stage of translocation.

Positional editing of transmembrane domains during ion channel assembly

The integration of transmembrane (TM)-spanning regions of many channels and ion transporters is potentially compromised by the presence of polar and charged residues required for biological function. Although the two TMs of the ATP-gated ion channel subunit P2X2 each contain charged/polar amino acids, we found that each TM is efficiently membrane inserted when it is analysed in isolation, and uncovered no evidence for cooperativity between these two TMs during P2X2 integration. However, using minimal N-glycosylation distance mapping, we find that the positioning of TM2 in newly synthesized P2X2 monomers is distinct from that seen in subunits of the high-resolution structures of assembled homologous trimers. We conclude that P2X2 monomers are initially synthesised at the endoplasmic reticulum in a distinct conformation, where the extent of the TM-spanning regions is primarily defined by the thermodynamic cost of their membrane integration at the Sec61 translocon. In this model, TM2 of P2X2 subsequently undergoes a process of positional editing within the membrane that correlates with trimerisation of the monomer, a process requiring specific polar/charged residues in both TM1 and TM2. We postulate that the assembly process offsets any energetic cost of relocating TM2, and find evidence that positional editing of TM2 in the acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC1a) is even more pronounced than that observed for P2X2. Taken together, these data further underline the potential complexities involved in accurately predicting TM domains. We propose that the orchestrated repositioning of TM segments during subunit oligomerisation plays an important role in generating the functional architecture of active ion channels, and suggest that the regulation of this underappreciated biosynthetic step may provide an elegant mechanism for maintaining ER homeostasis.

The viroporin activity of the minor structural proteins VP2 and VP3 is required for SV40 propagation

For nonenveloped viruses such as Simian Virus 40, the mechanism used to translocate viral components across membranes is poorly understood. Previous results indicated that the minor structural proteins, VP2 and VP3, might act as membrane proteins during infection. Here, purified VP2 and VP3 were found to form pores in host cell membranes. To identify possible membrane domains, individual hydrophobic domains from VP2 and VP3 were expressed in a model protein and tested for their ability to integrate into membranes. Several domains from the late proteins supported endoplasmic reticulum membrane insertion as transmembrane domains. Mutations in VP2 and VP3 were engineered that inhibited membrane insertion and pore formation. When these mutations were introduced into the viral genome, viral propagation was inhibited. This comprehensive approach revealed that the viroporin activity of VP2 and VP3 was inhibited by targeted disruptions of individual hydrophobic domains and the loss of membrane disruption activity impaired viral infection.

Understanding integration of α-helical membrane proteins: the next steps

Integration of a protein into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane occurs through a series of multistep reactions that include targeting of ribosome-nascent polypeptide complexes to the ER, attachment of the ribosome to the protein translocation channel, lateral partitioning of α-helical transmembrane spans into the lipid bilayer, and folding of the lumenal, cytosolic and membrane-embedded domains of the protein. However, the molecular mechanisms and kinetics of these steps are still not entirely clear. To obtain a better understanding of the mechanism of membrane protein integration, we propose that it will be important to utilize in vivo experiments to examine the kinetics of membrane protein integration and in vitro experiments to characterize interactions between nascent membrane proteins, protein translocation factors and molecular chaperones.

NS2B/3 proteolysis at the C-prM junction of the tick-borne encephalitis virus polyprotein is highly membrane dependent

The replication of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), like that of all flaviviruses, is absolutely dependent on proteolytic processing. Production of the mature proteins C and prM from their common precursor requires the activity of the viral NS2B/3 protease (NS2B/3(pro)) at the C-terminus of protein C and the host signal peptidase I (SPaseI) at the N-terminus of protein prM. Recently, we have shown in cell culture that the cleavage of protein C and the subsequent production of TBEV particles can be made dependent on the activity of the foot-and-mouth disease virus 3C protease, but not on the activity of the HIV-1 protease (HIV1(pro)) (Schrauf et al., 2012). To investigate this failure, we developed an in vitro cleavage assay to assess the two cleavage reactions performed on the C-prM precursor. Accordingly, a recombinant modular NS2B/3(pro), consisting of the protease domain of NS3 linked to the core-domain of cofactor NS2B, was expressed in E. coli and purified to homogeneity. This enzyme could cleave a C-prM protein synthesised in rabbit reticulocyte lysates. However, cleavage was only specific when protein synthesis was performed in the presence of canine pancreatic microsomal membranes and required the prevention of signal peptidase I (SPaseI) activity by lengthening the h-region of the signal peptide. The presence of membranes allowed the concentration of NS2B/3(pro) used to be reduced by 10-20 fold. Substitution of the NS2B/3(pro) cleavage motif in C-prM by a HIV-1(pro) motif inhibited NS2B/3(pro) processing in the presence of microsomal membranes but allowed cleavage by HIV-1(pro) at the C-prM junction. This system shows that processing at the C-terminus of protein C by the TBEV NS2B/3(pro) is highly membrane dependent and will allow the examination of how the membrane topology of protein C affects both SPaseI and NS2B/3(pro) processing.

Pleiotropic effects of membrane cholesterol upon translocation of protein across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane

Various proteins are translocated through and inserted into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane via translocon channels. The hydrophobic segments of signal sequences initiate translocation, and those on translocating polypeptides interrupt translocation to be inserted into the membrane. Positive charges suppress translocation to regulate the orientation of the signal sequences. Here, we investigated the effect of membrane cholesterol on the translocational behavior of nascent chains in a cell-free system. We found that the three distinct translocation processes were sensitive to membrane cholesterol. Cholesterol inhibited the initiation of translocation by the signal sequence, and the extent of inhibition depended on the signal sequence. Even when initiation was not inhibited, cholesterol impeded the movement of the positively charged residues of the translocating polypeptide chain. In surprising contrast, cholesterol enhanced the translocation of hydrophobic sequences through the translocon. On the basis of these findings, we propose that membrane cholesterol greatly affects partitioning of hydrophobic segments into the membrane and impedes the movement of positive charges.

Orientational preferences of neighboring helices can drive ER insertion of a marginally hydrophobic transmembrane helix

α-helical integral membrane proteins critically depend on the correct insertion of their transmembrane α helices into the lipid bilayer for proper folding, yet a surprisingly large fraction of the transmembrane α helices in multispanning integral membrane proteins are not sufficiently hydrophobic to insert into the target membrane by themselves. How can such marginally hydrophobic segments nevertheless form transmembrane helices in the folded structure? Here, we show that a transmembrane helix with a strong orientational preference (N(cyt)-C(lum) or N(lum)-C(cyt)) can both increase and decrease the hydrophobicity threshold for membrane insertion of a neighboring, marginally hydrophobic helix. This effect helps explain the "missing hydrophobicity" in polytopic membrane proteins.

Alteration of CFTR transmembrane span integration by disease-causing mutations

Many missense mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein (CFTR) result in its misfolding, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) accumulation, and, thus, cystic fibrosis. A number of these mutations are located in the predicted CFTR transmembrane (TM) spans and have been projected to alter span integration. However, the boundaries of the spans have not been precisely defined experimentally. In this study, the ER luminal integration profiles of TM1 and TM2 were determined using the ER glycosylation machinery, and the effects of the CF-causing mutations G85E and G91R thereon were assessed. The mutations either destabilize the integrated conformation or alter the TM1 ER integration profile. G85E misfolding is based in TM1 destabilization by glutamic acid and loss of glycine and correlates with the temperature-insensitive ER accumulation of immature full-length CFTR harboring the mutation. By contrast, temperature-dependent misfolding owing to the G91R mutation depends on the introduction of the basic side chain rather than the loss of the glycine. This work demonstrates that CF-causing mutations predicted to have similar effects on CFTR structure actually result in disparate molecular perturbations that underlie ER accumulation and the pathology of CF.

Proline in transmembrane domain of type II protein DPP-IV governs its translocation behavior through endoplasmic reticulum

A transmembrane domain (TMD) at the N-terminus of a membrane protein is a signal sequence that targets the protein to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Proline is found more frequently in TM helices compared to water-soluble helices. To investigate the effects of proline on protein translocation and integration in mammalian cells, we made proline substitutions throughout the TMD of dipeptidyl peptidase IV, a type II membrane protease with a single TMD at its N-terminus. The proteins were expressed and their capacities for targeting and integrating into the membrane were measured in both mammalian cells and in vitro translation systems. Three proline substitutions in the central region of the TMD resulted in various defects in membrane targeting and/or integration. The replacement of proline with other amino acids of similar hydrophobicity rescued both the translocation and anchoring defects of all three proline mutants, indicating that conformational change caused by proline is a determining factor. Increasing hydrophobicity of the TMD by replacing other residues with more hydrophobic residues also effectively reversed the translocation and integration defects. Intriguingly, increasing hydrophobicity at the C-terminal end of the TMD rescued much more effectively than it did at the N-terminal end. Thus, the effect of proline on translocation and integration of the TMD is not determined solely by its conformation and hydrophobicity, but also by the location of proline in the TMD, the location of highly hydrophobic residues, and the relative position of the proline to other proline residues in the TMD.

Membrane protein insertion at the endoplasmic reticulum

Integral membrane proteins of the cell surface and most intracellular compartments of eukaryotic cells are assembled at the endoplasmic reticulum. Two highly conserved and parallel pathways mediate membrane protein targeting to and insertion into this organelle. The classical cotranslational pathway, utilized by most membrane proteins, involves targeting by the signal recognition particle followed by insertion via the Sec61 translocon. A more specialized posttranslational pathway, employed by many tail-anchored membrane proteins, is composed of entirely different factors centered around a cytosolic ATPase termed TRC40 or Get3. Both of these pathways overcome the same biophysical challenges of ferrying hydrophobic cargo through an aqueous milieu, selectively delivering it to one among several intracellular membranes and asymmetrically integrating its transmembrane domain(s) into the lipid bilayer. Here, we review the conceptual and mechanistic themes underlying these core membrane protein insertion pathways, the complexities that challenge our understanding, and future directions to overcome these obstacles.

Membrane protein integration into the endoplasmic reticulum

Most integral membrane proteins are targeted, inserted and assembled in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. The sequential and potentially overlapping events necessary for membrane protein integration take place at sites termed translocons, which comprise a specific set of membrane proteins acting in concert with ribosomes and, probably, molecular chaperones to ensure the success of the whole process. In this minireview, we summarize our current understanding of helical membrane protein integration at the endoplasmic reticulum, and highlight specific characteristics that affect the biogenesis of multispanning membrane proteins.

Flanking residues help determine whether a hydrophobic segment adopts a monotopic or bitopic topology in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane

Proteins interacting with membranes via a single hydrophobic segment can be classified as either monotopic or bitopic. Here, we probe the topology of a membrane-attached enzyme, the ε isoform of human diacylglycerol kinase (DGKε), when inserted into rough microsomes and compare it with the monotopic membrane protein mouse caveolin-1. In contrast to previous findings, the N-terminal hydrophobic stretch in DGKε attains a bitopic rather than a monotopic topology in our experimental system. In addition, we find that charged flanking residues as well as proline residues embedded in the hydrophobic segment are important determinants of monotopic versus bitopic topology.

Contribution of topology determinants of a viral movement protein to its membrane association, intracellular traffic, and viral cell-to-cell movement

The p7B movement protein (MP) of Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV) is a single-pass membrane protein associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the Golgi apparatus (GA), and plasmodesmata (Pd). Experimental data presented here revealed that the p7B transmembrane domain (TMD) was sufficient to target the green fluorescent protein (GFP) to ER membranes. In addition, the short extramembrane regions of p7B were essential for subsequent ER export and transport to the GA and Pd. Microsomal partitioning and bimolecular fluorescence assays supported a type II topology of p7B in planta. Mutations affecting conventional determinants of p7B membrane topology, such as the TMD secondary structure, the overall hydrophobicity profile, the so-called "aromatic belt," and the net charge distribution on either side of the TMD, were engineered into infectious RNAs to investigate the relationship between the MP structure and MNSV cell-to-cell movement. The results revealed that (i) the overall hydrophobic profile and the α-helix integrity of the TMD were relevant for virus movement, (ii) modification of the net charge balance of the regions flanking both TMD sides drastically reduced cell-to-cell movement, (iii) localization of p7B to the GA was necessary but not sufficient for virus movement, and (iv) membrane insertion was essential for p7B function in virus movement. Our results therefore indicate that MNSV cell-to-cell movement requires sequential transport of p7B from the ER via the GA to Pd, which is modulated by a combination of several signals with different strengths in the extramembrane regions and TMD of the MP.