Signal recognition protein is required for the integration of acetylcholine receptor delta subunit, a transmembrane glycoprotein, into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane

Speculation on How RIC-3 and Other Chaperones Facilitate α7 Nicotinic Receptor Folding and Assembly

The process of how multimeric transmembrane proteins fold and assemble in the endoplasmic reticulum is not well understood. The alpha7 nicotinic receptor (α7 nAChR) is a good model for multimeric protein assembly since it has at least two independent and specialized chaperones: Resistance to Inhibitors of Cholinesterase 3 (RIC-3) and Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Regulator (NACHO). Recent cryo-EM and NMR data revealed structural features of α7 nAChRs. A ser-ala-pro (SAP) motif precedes a structurally important but unique "latch" helix in α7 nAChRs. A sampling of α7 sequences suggests the SAP motif is conserved from C. elegans to humans, but the latch sequence is only conserved in vertebrates. How RIC-3 and NACHO facilitate receptor subunits folding into their final pentameric configuration is not known. The artificial intelligence program AlphaFold2 recently predicted structures for NACHO and RIC-3. NACHO is highly conserved in sequence and structure across species, but RIC-3 is not. This review ponders how different intrinsically disordered RIC-3 isoforms from C. elegans to humans interact with α7 nAChR subunits despite having little sequence homology across RIC-3 species. Two models from the literature about how RIC-3 assists α7 nAChR assembly are evaluated considering recent structural information about the receptor and its chaperones.

Looking for a safe haven: tail-anchored proteins and their membrane insertion pathways

Insertion of membrane proteins into the lipid bilayer is a crucial step during their biosynthesis. Eukaryotic cells face many challenges in directing these proteins to their predestined target membrane. The hydrophobic signal peptide or transmembrane domain (TMD) of the nascent protein must be shielded from the aqueous cytosol and its target membrane identified followed by transport and insertion. Components that evolved to deal with each of these challenging steps range from chaperones to receptors, insertases, and sophisticated translocation complexes. One prominent translocation pathway for most proteins is the signal recognition particle (SRP)-dependent pathway which mediates co-translational translocation of proteins across or into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. This textbook example of protein insertion is stretched to its limits when faced with secretory or membrane proteins that lack an amino-terminal signal sequence or TMD. Particularly, a large group of so-called tail-anchored (TA) proteins that harbor a single carboxy-terminal TMD require an alternative, post-translational insertion route into the ER membrane. In this review, we summarize the current research in TA protein insertion with a special focus on plants, address challenges, and highlight future research avenues.

Bimodal targeting of cytochrome P450s to endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria: the concept of chimeric signals

Targeting signals are critical for proteins to find their specific cellular destination. Signals for protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, peroxisome and nucleus are distinct and the mechanisms of protein translocation across these membrane compartments also vary markedly. Recently, however, a number of proteins have been shown to be present in multiple cellular sites such as mitochondria and ER, cytosol and mitochondria, plasma membrane and mitochondria, and peroxisome and mitochondria suggesting the occurrence of multimodal targeting signals in some cases. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs), which play crucial roles in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs and toxins, are the prototype of bimodally targeted proteins. Several members of family 1, 2 and 3 CYPs have now been reported to be associated with mitochondria and plasma membrane in addition to the ER. This review highlights the mechanisms of bimodal targeting of CYP1A1, 2B1, 2E1 and 2D6 to mitochondria and ER. The bimodal targeting of these proteins is driven by their N-terminal signals which carry essential elements of both ER targeting and mitochondria targeting signals. These multimodal signals have been termed chimeric signals appropriately to describe their dual targeting property. The cryptic mitochondrial targeting signals of CYP2B1, 2D6, 2E1 require activation by protein kinase A or protein kinase C mediated phosphorylation at sites immediately flanking the targeting signal and/or membrane anchoring regions. The cryptic mitochondria targeting signal of CYP1A1 requires activation by endoproteolytic cleavage by a cytosolic endoprotease, which exposes the mitochondrial signal. This review discusses both mechanisms of bimodal targeting and toxicological consequences of mitochondria targeted CYP proteins.

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.

The birth of a channel

An ion channel protein begins life as a nascent peptide inside a ribosome, moves to the endoplasmic reticulum where it becomes integrated into the lipid bilayer, and ultimately forms a functional unit that conducts ions in a well-regulated fashion. Here, I discuss the nascent peptide and its tasks as it wends its way through ribosomal tunnels and exit ports, through translocons, and into the bilayer. We are just beginning to explore the sequence of these events, mechanisms of ion channel structure formation, when biogenic decisions are made, and by which participants. These decisions include when to exit the endoplasmic reticulum and with whom to associate. Such issues govern the expression of ion channels at the cell surface and thus the electrical activity of a cell.

The retinal rod Na(+)/Ca(2+),K(+) exchanger contains a noncleaved signal sequence required for translocation of the N terminus

The retinal rod Na(+)/Ca(2+),K(+) exchanger (RodX) is a polytopic membrane protein found in photoreceptor outer segments where it is the principal extruder of Ca(2+) ions during light adaptation. We have examined the role of the N-terminal 65 amino acids in targeting, translocation, and integration of the RodX using an in vitro translation/translocation system. cDNAs encoding human RodX and bovine RodX through the first transmembrane domain were correctly targeted and integrated into microsomal membranes; deletion of the N-terminal 65 amino acids (aa) resulted in a translation product that was not targeted or integrated. Deletion of the first 65 aa had no effect on membrane targeting of full-length RodX, but the N-terminal hydrophilic domain no longer translocated. Chimeric constructs encoding the first 65 aa of bovine RodX fused to globin were translocated across microsomal membranes, demonstrating that the sequence could function heterologously. Studies of fresh bovine retinal extracts demonstrated that the first 65 aa are present in the native protein. These data demonstrate that the first 65 aa of RodX constitute an uncleaved signal sequence required for the efficient membrane targeting and proper membrane integration of RodX.

Translation elongation factor 1-alpha interacts specifically with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag polyprotein

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gag-encoded proteins play key functions at almost all stages of the viral life cycle. Since these functions may require association with cellular factors, the HIV-1 matrix protein (MA) was used as bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify MA-interacting proteins. MA was found to interact with elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1alpha), an essential component of the translation machinery that delivers aminoacyl-tRNA to ribosomes. EF1alpha was then shown to bind the entire HIV-1 Gag polyprotein. This interaction is mediated not only by MA, but also by the nucleocapsid domain, which provides a second, independent EF1alpha-binding site on the Gag polyprotein. EF1alpha is incorporated within HIV-1 virion membranes, where it is cleaved by the viral protease and protected from digestion by exogenously added subtilisin. The specificity of the interaction is demonstrated by the fact that EF1alpha does not bind to nonlentiviral MAs and does not associate with Moloney murine leukemia virus virions. The Gag-EF1alpha interaction appears to be mediated by RNA, in that basic residues in MA and NC are required for binding to EF1alpha, RNase disrupts the interaction, and a Gag mutant with undetectable EF1alpha-binding activity is impaired in its ability to associate with tRNA in cells. Finally, the interaction between MA and EF1alpha impairs translation in vitro, a result consistent with a previously proposed model in which inhibition of translation by the accumulation of Gag serves to release viral RNA from polysomes, permitting the RNA to be packaged into nascent virions.

Co- and posttranslational translocation mechanisms direct cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator N terminus transmembrane assembly

Transmembrane topology of most eukaryotic polytopic proteins is established cotranslationally at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane through the action of alternating signal and stop transfer sequences. Here we demonstrate that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) achieves its N terminus topology through a variation of this mechanism that involves both co- and posttranslational translocation events. Using a series of defined chimeric and truncated proteins expressed in a reticulocyte lysate system, we have identified two topogenic determinants encoded within the first (TM1) and second (TM2) membrane-spanning segments of CFTR. Each sequence independently (i) directed endoplasmic reticulum targeting, (ii) translocated appropriate flanking residues, and (iii) achieved its proper membrane-spanning orientation. Signal sequence activity of TM1, however, was inefficient due to the presence of two charged residues, Glu92 and Lys95, located within its hydrophobic core. As a result, TM1 was able to direct correct topology for less than half of nascent CFTR chains. In contrast to TM1, TM2 signal sequence activity was both efficient and specific. Even in the absence of a functional TM1 signal sequence, TM2 was able to direct CFTR N terminus topology through a ribosome-dependent posttranslational mechanism. Mutating charged residues Glu92 and Lys95 to alanine improved TM1 signal sequence activity as well as the ability of TM1 to independently direct CFTR N terminus topology. Thus, a single functional signal sequence in either the first or second TM segment was sufficient for directing proper CFTR topology. These results identify two distinct and redundant translocation pathways for CFTR N terminus transmembrane assembly and support a model in which TM2 functions to ensure correct topology of CFTR chains that fail to translocate via TM1. This novel arrangement of topogenic information provides an alternative to conventional cotranslational pathways of polytopic protein biogenesis.

A biophysical study of integral membrane protein folding

In order to characterize the thermodynamic constraints on the process of integral membrane protein folding and assembly, we have conducted a biophysical dissection of the structure of bacteriorhodopsin (BR), a prototypical alpha-helical integral membrane protein. Seven polypeptides were synthesized, corresponding to each of the seven transmembrane alpha-helices in BR, and the structure of each individual polypeptide was characterized in reconstituted phospholipid vesicles. Five of the seven polypeptides form stable transmembrane alpha-helices in isolation from the remainder of the tertiary structure of BR. However, using our reconstitution protocols, the polypeptide corresponding to the F helix in BR does not form any stable secondary structure in reconstituted vesicles, and the polypeptide corresponding to the G helix forms a hyperstable beta-sheet structure with its strands oriented perpendicular to the plane of the membrane. [The polypeptide corresponding to the C helix spontaneously equilibrates in a pH-dependent manner between a transmembrane alpha-helical conformation, a peripherally bound nonhelical conformation, and a fully water soluble conformation; the conformational properties of this polypeptide are the subject of the accompanying paper: Hunt et al. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 15177-15192.] Our observations suggest that the folding of alpha-helical integral membrane proteins may proceed spontaneously. However, the preference for a non-native conformation exhibited by two of the polypeptides suggests that the formation of some transmembrane substructures could require external constraints such as the links between the helices, interactions with the rest of the protein, or the involvement of cellular chaperones or translocases. Our results also suggest a strategy for improving the thermodynamic stability of alpha-helical integral membrane proteins, a goal that could facilitate attempts to overexpress and/or refold them.

Biogenesis of polytopic membrane proteins: membrane segments of P-glycoprotein sequentially translocate to span the ER membrane

The initial steps in the biogenesis of membrane proteins parallel those of secretory proteins. However, membrane proteins contain a signal to stop translocation across the membrane. For polytopic membrane proteins, those with multiple transmembrane segments, little is known of the temporal sequence or relationship between synthesis of the nascent proteins, translocation, folding, and integration of the membrane segments into the bilayer. Here we demonstrate that latent membrane segments translocate sequentially as they emerge from the ribosome and do not accumulate on the cytosolic side to form loops, or larger structures, prior to translocation across the membrane.

Biogenesis of polytopic membrane proteins: membrane segments assemble within translocation channels prior to membrane integration

The initial steps in the biogenesis of membrane proteins parallel that of secretory proteins. The translocation of membrane proteins, however, must be interrupted prior to the complete traversal of the membrane. This is followed by their folding and integrating into the lipid bilayer. We have previously shown that as each latent transmembrane segment (TMS) in a polytopic membrane protein emerges from the ribosome, it sequentially translocates across the membrane. Here we demonstrate that these translocated TMSs can be extracted from the membrane with urea. This suggests that nascent TMSs do not integrate into the bilayer as they achieve a transmembrane topography. The integration is delayed until after the protein is synthesized and released from the ribosome. Prior to insertion into the bilayer, these TMSs appear to be stabilized by salt-sensitive electrostatic bonds within an aqueous-accessible compartment.

Binding of monoclonal antibodies against the carboxyl terminal segment of the nicotinic receptor delta subunit suggests an unusual transmembrane disposition of this sequence region

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for the carboxyl terminal region of the delta subunit of Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR), derived from mice immunized with AChR or a synthetic carboxyl terminal sequence of the delta subunit (C delta-mAbs), were used to determine the transmembrane disposition of their epitope(s) by immunoelectron microscopy, using AChR-rich postsynaptic membrane fragments from Torpedo electroplax. Some C delta-mAbs recognized only the cytoplasmic side of the membranes, some both sides to a similar extent, and others bound mostly, but not exclusively, to the cytoplasmic side. Binding of C delta-mAbs to the membranes was specifically blocked by synthetic peptides containing the carboxyl terminal region of the delta subunit. Control anti-AChR mAbs specific for the alpha or the delta subunits, whose epitopes have known transmembrane topology, uniquely recognized the expected side of the postsynaptic membrane. Residues involved in C delta-mAb binding were identified using single residue substituted peptide analogues of the sequence delta 481-501. All C delta-mAbs recognized epitopes within the same sequence segment, delta 485-493, at the carboxyl terminal of the AChR delta subunit. These results suggest that the delta subunit of the AChR might have alternative conformations, leading to exposure of the same sequence region on the extracellular or the cytoplasmic surface. Several Pro residues are present in this region. The alternative cis or trans conformation of one or more of them might result in different folding patterns of the carboxyl terminal sequence of the delta subunit, as described for a viral protein [Liddington, R. C., Yan, Y., Moulai, J., Sahli, R., Benjamin, T. L., & Harrison, S. C. (1991) Nature 354, 278-284.

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: structure and autoimmune pathology

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChR) are presently the best-characterized neurotransmitter receptors. They are pentamers of homologous or identical subunits, symmetrically arranged to form a transmembrane cation channel. The AChR subunits form a family of homologous proteins, derived from a common ancestor. An autoimmune response to muscle AChR causes the disease myasthenia gravis. This review summarizes recent developments in the understanding of the AChR structure and its molecular recognition by the immune system in myasthenia.

Expression of fusion proteins of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from mammalian muscle identifies the membrane-spanning regions in the alpha and delta subunits

We have investigated the topology of the alpha and delta subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) from mammalian muscle synthesized in an in vitro translation system supplemented with dog pancreatic microsomes. Fusion proteins were expressed in which a carboxy-terminal fragment of bovine prolactin was attached downstream of each of the major putative transmembrane domains, M1-M4 and MA, in the AChR subunits. The orientation of the prolactin domain relative to the microsomal membrane was then determined for each protein by a proteolysis protection assay. Since the prolactin domain contains no information which either directs or prevents its translocation, its transmembrane orientation depends solely on sequences within the AChR subunit portion of the fusion protein. When subunit-prolactin fusion proteins with the prolactin domain fused after either M2 or M4 were tested, prolactin-immunoreactive peptides that were larger than the prolactin domain itself were recovered. No prolactin-immunoreactive peptides were recovered after proteolysis of fusion proteins containing prolactin fused after M1, M3, or MA. These results support a model of AChR subunit topology in which M1-M4, but not MA, are transmembrane domains and the carboxy terminus is extracellular.

Interactions of signal peptides with signal-recognition particle

The mechanisms whereby isolated or synthetic signal peptides inhibit processing of newly synthesized prolactin in microsome-supplemented lysates from reticulocytes and wheat-germ were investigated. At a concentration of 5 microM, a consensus signal peptide reverses the elongation arrest imposed by the signal-recognition particle (SRP), and at higher concentrations in addition inhibits elongation of both secretory and non-secretory proteins. A photoreactive form of a synthetic signal peptide cross-links under u.v. illumination to the 54 kDa and 68 kDa subunits of SRP, whereas the major cross-linked protein produced after photoreaction of rough microsomes is of 45 kDa. As SRP-mediated elongation arrest is unlikely to be essential for translocation, it is suggested that signal peptides may interact with components other than SRP in the translation system in vitro.

In vitro membrane assembly of a polytopic, transmembrane protein results in an enzymatically active conformation

In vitro integration of the polytopic, transmembrane lactose permease into membrane vesicles from Escherichia coli is demonstrated. To this end the enzyme was synthesized in a homologous, cell-free transcription-translation system. In this system, synthesis occurred in an essentially membrane-free environment leading to the formation of lactose permease aggregates, which were resistant to protease digestion and detergent solubilization. However, if inverted membrane vesicles from E. coli were included in the synthesis reaction, most de novo-synthesized lactose permease could be recovered from a membrane-containing subfraction (enriched in leader [signal] peptidase activity). This membrane association of lactose permease was Na2CO3 resistant, detergent sensitive, and yielded a distinct pattern of proteolytic cleavage peptides. Moreover, membrane vesicles when present cotranslationally during synthesis of lactose permease, acquired the capability to accumulate lactose, strongly suggesting a correct in vitro assembly of the enzyme. Because of the extensive aggregation of lactose permease synthesized in the absence of membranes, only low amounts originating from the soluble enzyme pool integrated posttranslationally into the membrane vesicles. Unlike the translocation of the outer membrane protein LamB into membrane vesicles, integration of lactose permease was found to be independent of the H+-motive force.

Integration of membrane proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum requires GTP

We have examined the requirement for ribonucleotides and ribonucleotide triphosphate hydrolysis during early events in the membrane integration of two membrane proteins: the G protein of vesicular stomatitis virus and the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) glycoprotein of Newcastle disease virus. Both proteins contain a single transmembrane-spanning segment but are integrated in the membrane with opposite orientations. The G protein has an amino-terminal signal sequence and a stop-transfer sequence located near the carboxy terminus. The HN glycoprotein has a single sequence near the amino terminus that functions as both a signal-sequence and a transmembrane-spanning segment. Membrane insertion was explored using a cell-free system directed by transcribed mRNAs encoding amino-terminal segments of the two proteins. Ribosome-bound nascent polypeptides were assembled, ribonucleotides were removed by gel filtration chromatography, and the ribosomes were incubated with microsomal membranes under conditions of defined ribonucleotide content. Nascent chain insertion into the membrane required the presence of both the signal recognition particle and a functional signal recognition particle receptor. In the absence of ribonucleotides, insertion of nascent membrane proteins was not detected. GTP or nonhydrolyzable GTP analogues promoted efficient insertion, while ATP was comparatively ineffective. Surprisingly, the majority of the HN nascent chain remained ribosome associated after puromycin treatment. Ribosome-associated HN nascent chains remained competent for membrane insertion, while free HN chains were not competent. We conclude that a GTP binding protein performs an essential function during ribosome-dependent insertion of membrane proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum that is unrelated to protein synthesis.

Chaoptin, a cell surface glycoprotein required for Drosophila photoreceptor cell morphogenesis, contains a repeat motif found in yeast and human

Chaoptin is a photoreceptor cell-specific membrane protein. Analysis of chaoptin mutants demonstrates that this glycoprotein plays a critical role in photoreceptor cell morphogenesis. We have deduced chaoptin's primary structure from the cDNA sequence and examined its membrane topology. Chaoptin is largely composed of 41 potentially amphipathic repeats. Remarkably homologous repeats have been reported in both yeast and human, suggesting their general importance as a structural and/or functional motif. Chaoptin synthesized in vitro is associated with rough endoplasmic reticulum microsomal membrane in an integral fashion, consistent with its extraction characteristics in vivo. The resistance to proteolytic digestion of in vitro synthesized and processed chaoptin suggests that it is primarily localized to the extracellular leaflet of the lipid bilayer. These data are consistent with the proposal that chaoptin is involved in the adhesion between photoreceptor cell membranes.

Multiple topogenic sequences in bovine opsin

Bovine opsin, a polytopic integral membrane protein, contains seven transmembrane segments connecting eight hydrophilic domains alternating on each side of the membrane. To localize topogenic sequences that might specify the distinct topology of opsin in the membrane, we constructed various opsin mutants, each containing only one transmembrane segment. Messenger RNAs transcribed from these mutants were translated in a cell-free system supplemented with microsomal membranes. Among six of the seven transmembrane segments of opsin that were analyzed, five were able to function as signal sequences and also expressed stop-transfer sequences of variable strength. By the criteria of extractability at pH 11 and protease sensitivity, the presence of a signal sequence in combination with a "strong" stop-transfer sequence yielded integration into the lipid bilayer of the majority of chains. However, in combination with a "weak" stop-transfer sequence, we observed integration into the lipid bilayer of only some chains, with the others either completely translocated across the membrane or retained in a water-accessible space in the membrane.

Post-translational insertion of a fragment of the glucose transporter into microsomes requires phosphoanhydride bond cleavage

Most eukaryotic secretory and membrane proteins insert co-translationally into the membrane of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and are targeted there by one or more NH2-terminal or internal signal sequences. However, little is known about the actual translocation and membrane integration processes. In particular, any energy requirements for targeting and integration have remained obscure because of the inability to uncouple the processes from concomitant protein synthesis. We recently showed that the human glucose transporter (GT), an integral membrane glycoprotein, can insert post-translationally into dog pancreatic microsomes with low but demonstrable efficiency in vitro, and that a fragment corresponding to the NH2-terminal 340 amino acids and 8 of the 12 membrane-spanning alpha-helixes of GT (GT-N) can insert with significantly greater efficiency. We report here that post-translational insertion of GT-N into pancreatic microsomes requires energy in the form of a phosphodiester bond, and suggest that co-translational insertion of proteins into the RER may also require energy independent of that used for polypeptide synthesis.

Surface and intracellular distribution of a putative neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

Chick ciliary ganglion neurons have a membrane component that shares an antigenic determinant with the main immunogenic region (MIR) of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors from skeletal muscle and electric organ. Previous studies have shown that the component has many of the properties expected for a ganglionic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, and that its distribution on the neuron surface in vivo is restricted predominantly to synaptic membrane. Here we report the presence of a large intracellular pool of the putative receptor in embryonic neurons and demonstrate that it is associated with organelles known to comprise the biosynthetic and regulatory pathways of integral plasma membrane proteins. Embryonic chick ciliary ganglia were lightly fixed, saponin-permeabilized, incubated with an anti-MIR monoclonal antibody (mAb) followed by horseradish peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibody, reacted for peroxidase activity, and examined by electron microscopy. Deposits of reaction product were associated with synaptic membrane, small portions of the pseudodendrite surface membrane, most of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, small portions of the nuclear envelope, some Golgi complexes, and a few coated pits, coated vesicles, multivesicular bodies, and smooth-membraned vacuoles. No other labeling was present in the neurons. The labeling was specific in that it was not present when the anti-MIR mAb was replaced with either nonimmune serum or mAbs of different specificity. Chick dorsal root ganglion neurons thought to lack nicotinic acetylcholine receptors were not labeled by the anti-MIR mAb. Substantial intracellular populations have also been reported for the muscle acetylcholine receptor and brain voltage-dependent sodium channel alpha-subunit. This may represent a general pattern for multisubunit membrane proteins during development.

Carbohydrate structures of acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo californica and distribution of oligosaccharides among the subunits

The structure of carbohydrates in acetylcholine receptor (AChR) from Torpedo californica is reported. Oligosaccharides released quantitatively from the whole molecule by N-oligosaccharide glycopeptidase digestion were fractionated by thin-layer chromatography and further purified by high-performance liquid chromatography. We show that more than 70% of the total oligosaccharide chains in Torpedo AChR are of the high-mannose type with the structures (Man)8(GlcNAc)2 and (Man)9(GlcNAc)2. The structure of these oligosaccharides were determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These two types of oligosaccharides were shown to be distributed different proportions in all subunits of Torpedo AChR. We also show that several kinds of complex-type oligosaccharides comprising the rest of the carbohydrate in the protein exist mainly in the gamma and delta subunits. The structure of the carbohydrate moiety that is distributed on the four subunits of AChR was also examined by susceptibility to endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase and sialidase and by binding affinity to lectins, e.g. concanavalin A, leucoagglutinating phytohemagglutinin, and wheat germ agglutinin.

Signal recognition particle-dependent membrane insertion of mouse invariant chain: a membrane-spanning protein with a cytoplasmically exposed amino terminus

Invariant (Ii) chain is a membrane-spanning protein that is found associated intracellularly with class II histocompatibility antigens. In the endoplasmic reticulum Ii chain spans the membrane and exposes the NH2 terminus on the cytoplasmic and the COOH terminus on the lumenal side. This orientation across the membrane is demonstrated directly with the monoclonal antibody In-1, which exclusively recognizes the NH2 terminal cytoplasmically exposed part of Ii chain. Membrane insertion of Ii chain requires signal recognition particle and docking protein. When tested in a wheat germ cell free system, signal recognition particle arrests translation of Ii chain. No signal sequence is cleaved from Ii chain upon membrane insertion.

Location of antigenic determinants on primary sequences of subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor by peptide mapping

The binding domains of 28 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the alpha, beta, and delta subunits of the Torpedo acetylcholine receptor were mapped on the primary sequences of these subunits. Small peptide fragments (2000-20,000 daltons) of the purified subunits were obtained by digestion with staphylococcal V8 protease and papain, separated on a discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic system, and electroblotted onto diaminophenyl thioether paper. The blots were probed with the various monoclonal antibodies and also with antibodies against carboxy-terminal decapeptides of the alpha, beta, and delta subunits to identify the carboxy-terminal fragments. From inspection of the binding patterns of the various antibodies to the subunits fragments and the molecular weights of these fragments, and by using the carboxy termini of the subunits as reference points, it was possible to deduce the regions on the primary sequence of each subunit in which the antibodies bound and in some cases to order the binding sites within these sequences. mAb 148, which inhibits receptor function by cross-linking receptor molecules on the cytoplasmic side, was mapped to the sequence beta 368-406. The main immunogenic region of the native receptor, which is of pathological importance in the autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis, was mapped by using mAb 210 to within 80 amino acid residues (alpha 46-127). The overall antigenic structure of alpha subunits was examined. Synthetic peptides have been used to locate determinants responsible for 83% of the antibodies in antisera to denatured alpha subunits and 46% of the antibodies to denatured alpha subunits in antisera to intact receptor. Theoretical models of the transmembrane orientation of the subunit polypeptide chains were tested by determining whether mapped monoclonal antibodies bound to the extracellular or intracellular surface of receptor-rich membranes. Our results confirm previous reports that the carboxy termini of the subunits are exposed on the intracellular surface, as is part of the region between a putative channel-forming domain (M5) and a putative membrane-spanning region (M3). However, contrary to current theoretical models, the region between M5 and the putative membrane-spanning sequence M4 also appears to be on the intracellular surface, implying that M4 and M5 are not membrane-spanning domains.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Transmembrane topography of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: immunochemical tests contradict theoretical predictions based on hydrophobicity profiles

In our preceding paper [Ratnam, M., Sargent, P. B., Sarin, V., Fox, J. L., Le Nguyen, D., Rivier, J., Criado, M., & Lindstrom, J. (1986) Biochemistry (preceding paper in this issue)], we presented results from peptide mapping studies of purified subunits of the Torpedo acetylcholine receptor which suggested that the sequence beta 429-441 is on the cytoplasmic surface of the receptor. Since this finding contradicts earlier theoretical models of the transmembrane structure of the receptor, which placed this sequence of the beta subunit on the extracellular surface, we investigated the location of the corresponding sequence (389-408) and adjacent sequences of the alpha subunit by a more direct approach. We synthesized peptides including the sequences alpha 330-346, alpha 349-364, alpha 360-378, alpha 379-385, and alpha 389-408 and shorter parts of these peptides. These peptides corresponded to a highly immunogenic region, and by using 125I-labeled peptides as antigens, we were able to detect in our library of monoclonal antibodies to alpha subunits between two and six which bound specifically to each of these peptides, except alpha 389-408. We obtained antibodies specific for alpha 389-408 both from antisera against the denatured alpha subunit and from antisera made against the peptide. These antibodies were specific to alpha 389-396. In binding assays, antibodies specific for all of these five peptides bound to receptor-rich membrane vesicles only after permeabilization of the vesicles to permit access of the antibodies to the cytoplasmic surface of the receptors, suggesting that the receptor sequences which bound these antibodies were located on the intracellular side of the membrane. Electron microscopy using colloidal gold to visualize the bound antibodies was used to conclusively demonstrate that all of these sequences are exposed on the cytoplasmic surface of the receptor. These results, along with our previous demonstration that the C-terminal 10 amino acids of each subunit are exposed on the cytoplasmic surface, show that the hydrophobic domain M4 (alpha 409-426), previously predicted from hydropathy profiles to be transmembranous, does not, in fact, cross the membrane. Further, these results show that the putative amphipathic transmembrane domain M5 (alpha 364-399) also does not cross the membrane. Our results thus indicate that the transmembrane topology of a membrane protein cannot be deduced strictly from the hydropathy profile of its primary amino acid sequence. We present a model for the transmembrane orientation of receptor subunit polypeptide chains which is consistent with current data.

The human glucose transporter can insert posttranslationally into microsomes

RNA transcripts encoding the complete human glucose transporter (GT) or fragments of GT corresponding to the NH2-terminal 340 amino acids (GT-N) or the COOH-terminal 148 amino acids (GT-C) were synthesized in vitro from SP6 plasmids. The corresponding polypeptides were synthesized in reticulocyte or wheat germ cell-free systems and their insertion into pancreatic microsomes was assessed by endoglycosidase H and trypsin digestion or alkaline extraction of membranes. The following observations were made: both GT and GT-N can insert posttranslationally into microsomes; GT contains at least two distinct signal sequences; both co- and posttranslational insertion of GT-N are mediated by a signal recognition particle (SRP)-SRP receptor-dependent mechanism; and SRP is required both for targeting the polypeptide to the membrane and for initiating the actual insertion process. We propose a model for the biosynthesis of GT and proteins of similar membrane topology which does not require a tight ribosome-membrane interaction.

A signal sequence is required for the functions of the signal recognition particle

It is shown that removal of the signal sequence of carp preproinsulin by gene technology abolishes the interaction between the polypeptide chain and the signal recognition particle with respect to both its functions: the inhibition of translation by the signal recognition particle in the absence of microsomal membranes, and the reconstitution of the protein translocation competence of high-salt inactivated microsomes. It is concluded that a signal sequence is absolutely required for the functions of the signal recognition particle.

Proteolytic processing and compartmentalization of the primary translation products of mammalian apolipoprotein mRNAs

The steps involved in the initial assembly of apolipoproteins and lipids into supramolecular arrays (nascent lipoprotein particles) are largely unknown. Examination of the proteolytic processing and compartmentalization of the primary translation products of apolipoprotein mRNAs represents one approach to deciphering the molecular details of lipoprotein assembly. The structures of the primary translation products of seven mammalian apolipoprotein mRNAs has been determined in the past several years. The organization of apolipoprotein signal peptides is typical of eukaryotic prepeptides, although an unusual degree of sequence conservation is present among the signal segments of apo AI, AIV, and E. For those apolipoprotein sequences studied in detail, SRP-dependent cotranslational translocation and proteolytic processing appears to be highly efficient and results in sequestration of the processed protein within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However the mechanism by which these lipid-binding proteins avoid arrest during their translocation through the lipid bilayer of the ER membrane remains obscure. The two principal human HDL apolipoproteins undergo novel extracellular post-translational proteolytic processing, which results in removal of nonhomologous propeptides. The proteases responsible for proapo AI and AII processing appear to be different. The processing of these proapolipoproteins provides a potential series of steps for regulating the ordered assembly of HDL constituents.

Protein translocation across and integration into membranes

This review concentrates mainly on the translocation of proteins across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and cytoplasmic membrane in bacteria. It will start with a short historical review and will pinpoint the crucial questions in the field. Special emphasis will be given to the present knowledge on the molecular details of the first steps, i.e., on the function of the signal recognition particle and its receptor. The knowledge on the signal peptidase and the ribosome receptor(s) will also be summarized. The various models for the translocation of proteins across and the integration of proteins into membranes will be critically discussed. In particular, the function of signal, stop-transfer, and insertion sequences will be dealt with and molecular differences discussed. The cotranslational mode of membrane transfer will be compared with the post-translational transport found for mitochondria and chloroplasts. This review will conclude with open questions and an outlook.

Internally transposed signal sequence of carp preproinsulin retains its functions with the signal recognition particle

It is shown that the signal sequence of carp preproinsulin is functional with the dog pancreatic signal recognition particle (SRP) both when present at its normal location at the amino-terminus of the protein or when engineered to an internal location. Inhibition of translation by SRP in the absence of microsomal membranes, reconstitution by SRP of the translocation competence of high-salt inactivated microsomes and signal peptide cleavage all occur with the signal sequence being preceded by a highly charged peptide segment of 39 amino acid residues (the distance from the amino-terminus to the cleavage site of the signal peptidase is increased to 56 residues).

Hemoglobin Long Island is caused by a single mutation (adenine to cytosine) resulting in a failure to cleave amino-terminal methionine

Hemoglobin Long Island has two separate amino acid abnormalities of beta-globin structure: an extension of the NH2 terminus by a methionine residue and a histidine-to-proline substitution at the normal second position. The NH2-terminal methionine residue, the translation product of an AUG initiation codon, is present only transiently in nascent proteins. Because of the general biological implications of this abnormality, we investigated the nature of the genetic defect of this mutant. We determined the sequence of the relevant portion of the beta-globin mRNA by means of dideoxynucleotide chain termination of the complementary DNA (cDNA) in which an oligonucleotide complementary to codons 10-17 was used as a primer for reverse transcriptase. A histidine-to-proline substitution was confirmed in the mutant mRNA by identifying an adenine-to-cytosine transversion in the second codon. However, we were unable to find any other abnormality at either the AUG initiation codon or in the 56 bases upstream from the adenine-to-cytosine transversion (encompassing most of the 5' untranslated region of the mutant beta-globin mRNA). Thus, it appears that this single lesion probably interferes with the poorly understood methionine-cleaving mechanism that modulates most of prokaryotic and eukaryotic proteins.

A model for the acetylcholine binding site of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

A detailed model for the acetylcholine binding site on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is proposed. It is derived from assumptions based on existing biochemical, structural, and pharmacological data, combined with molecular modeling and principles of protein evolution and architecture. Acetylcholine is proposed to fit into a pocket on one face of an antiparallel beta-pleated sheet formed by residues 128-142 on the alpha-subunit. This sheet is flexible yet stable, in part because of a double cystine bridge at its end. Asp138, Thr133, and Gln140 provide a ring of negative charges around the quaternary ammonium group of acetylcholine, Ile131 and alkane segments of the other residues in the binding site provide hydrophobic interactions, and Gln140 provides a hydrogen bond for acetylcholine's carbonyl group; Glu129 would form part of the second anionic subsite for the bis-quaternary ammonium compounds and curares. The model is compatible with the available evidence pertaining to the binding site and with structure-activity relationship studies. It is precise and detailed, thereby making clear predictions, which are directly testable by affinity labeling and site-directed mutagenesis. It should prove useful in the design of such experiments.

Bovine opsin has more than one signal sequence

By deletion of selected segments from a bovine opsin complementary DNA clone and subsequent analysis of transcripts in a cell-free translation-translocation system, we have localized two out of four theoretically conceivable signal sequences required for the integration of opsin into microsomal membranes.

Circular dichroism studies on synthetic signal peptides

Circular dichroism studies on synthetic peptides corresponding to the signal sequences of chicken lysozyme and Escherichia coli proteins, lambda-receptor and lipoprotein, have been carried out in trifluoroethanol. The peptides, (CH3)3-C-O-CO-Thr-Leu-Lys-Lys-Leu-Pro-Leu-Ala-Val-Ala-Val-Ala-Ala-Gly- Val-Met-Thr-Ala- Ala-Met-Ala-OCH3, (CH3)3-C-O-CO-Met-Lys-Ser-Leu-Leu-Ile-Leu-Val-Leu-Cys(benzyl)- Phe-Leu-Pro- Leu-Ala-Ala-Leu-Gly-OH and (CH3)3-C-O-CO-Leu-Val-Leu-Gly-Ala-Val-Ile-Leu-Gly- Thr-Thr-Leu-Leu- Ala-Gly-OCH3, corresponding to the signal sequences of lambda-receptor, lysozyme and the hydrophobic region of lipoprotein, respectively, show two negative bands at approx. 205 and 220 nm, characteristic of an alpha-helical conformation. Secondary structural features are discernible even in the shorter, 12-residue carboxy-terminal fragments of these signal peptides. A comparison of the conformation of the amino-terminal, central and carboxy-terminal fragments of lipoprotein signal sequence indicates that the central octapeptide fragment is more structurally ordered compared to the amino- and carboxy-terminal fragments.

Cell-free synthesis and co-translational processing of the human asialoglycoprotein receptor

The human asialoglycoprotein receptor is a 46-kDa membrane glycoprotein. It is initially synthesized as a 40-kDa precursor species possessing two N-linked high-mannose oligosaccharides which is subsequently converted to the 46-kDa mature product upon modification of its oligosaccharides of the complex form [Schwartz, A. L. & Rup, D. (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 11 249-11 255]. To investigate further the biosynthesis of the human asialoglycoprotein receptor, we have utilized a cell-free wheat germ translation system supplemented with dog pancreatic microsomal membranes and programmed with HepG2 and human liver RNA. The primary translation product of the human receptor is a single 34-kDa species and this species is expressed throughout human fetal and adult development. The primary translation product possesses no cleavable signal peptide and is cotranslationally glycosylated to form the 40-kDa precursor species. In addition, the human asialoglycoprotein receptor is co-translationally inserted into microsomal membranes such that a 4-kDa cytoplasmic tail is susceptible to trypsin digestion.

Signal recognition particle-dependent insertion of coronavirus E1, an intracellular membrane glycoprotein

The membrane insertion of the E1 protein of a coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus A59, was studied in a wheat germ cell-free translation system. E1 is a transmembrane protein spanning the lipid bilayer several times. It is synthesized without a cleavable signal sequence, localized intracellularly, and not transported to the cell surface. It thus represents a model intracellular protein. We found that the synthesis of E1 is specifically and stably blocked by the addition of signal recognition particle to the wheat germ system. Subsequent addition of salt-extracted pancreatic microsomes resulted in the full release of this arrest as well as the completion and the correct membrane integration of E1. Such signal recognition particle-induced arrests failed to produce shorter peptides of a defined length. Addition of signal recognition particle to a synchronized translation at any time during the synthesis of about the first two thirds of E1 (150 amino acids) blocked further translation, suggesting that the most C-terminal of the three internal hydrophobic domains of E1 could function as its signal sequence.