We are interested in how this sorting is accomplished. SRP is an evolutionarily conserved ribonucleoprotein that recognises signal sequences on nascent presecretory proteins as they emerge from the ribosome. The targeted protein is then inserted into the ER co-translationally. We are particularly interested in the functional interactions, both spatial and temporal, between the macromolecular complexes involved in this pathway - the ribosome, SRP, its receptor and the translocon. Our research is focussed on defining interactions and understanding how they contribute to the overall targeting and translocation process.
Signal sequences specify the targeting route to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane.
SRP samples nascent chains for the presence of signal sequences by interacting with ribosomes at a discrete step in translation elongation. Signal sequence recognition and protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Rev. Cell Biol. Subunits of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae signal recognition particle required for its functional expression. EMBO J. 13, 4390-400.