How Did the First Protein Translocators Integrate into the ER Membrane?

[nautica]

Membrane proteins are integrated into the ER membrane by means of protein translocators, which are themselves membrane proteins.

So how would the first protein translocators become incorporated into the ER membrane?

Nautica

 

[Moonbear]

Aww, c'mon, why don't you ask a hard question for a change?

I truly have no idea, but could venture a wild guess that perhaps some don't require translocators due to their size or structure, but it is only a wild guess.

 

[Monique]

It could just be that they very much LIKE to be in the membrane, so as moonbear said they just don't need translocators. Proteins that WOULD need translocators are those that have very hydrophilic chains that thus normally would never cross the membrane by themselves.

 

[None]

I do know that some secreted proteins in bacteria have their own translocation domains, ie. type V secretion systems. Wouldn't be too far fetched to say that some eukaryotic ER components could encode self translocators specific for ER membranes, though I don't know of any specific examples.

 

[iansmith]

I would have to agree with none there must be a type v -like mechanism for protein transltor. I will do more research.

 

[nautica]

Yes, that is a thought. I'll check on that also.

Thanks
nautica

 

[nautica]

btw
Moonbear, you sig speaks of voting. What are we voting for?

nautica

 

[Moonbear]

btw
Moonbear, you sig speaks of voting. What are we voting for?

nautica

In the PF Community section, there are 2004 award nominations up for voting.

 

[Monique]

there must be a type v -like mechanism

What mechanism would that be?

 

[nautica]

What mechanism would that be?

good question

 

[iansmith]

Type V secretion pathway are also known as Autotransporter protein secretion system.

http://www.horizonpress.com/cimb/abstracts/v6/09.html
http://pasteur.fontismedia.com/infiles/out/res031162.pdf

 

[nautica]

sweet, good info.

Thanks
Nautica