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Pushing, pulling and trapping – Modes of motor protein supported protein translocation
Author(s) -
Tomkiewicz Danuta,
Nouwen Nico,
Driessen Arnold J.M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.04.015
Subject(s) - chromosomal translocation , motor protein , biophysics , molecular motor , transport protein , chemistry , atp hydrolysis , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , biochemistry , enzyme , gene , microtubule , atpase
Protein translocation across the cellular membranes is an ubiquitous and crucial activity of cells. This process is mediated by translocases that consist of a protein conducting channel and an associated motor protein . Motor proteins interact with protein substrates and utilize the free energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis for protein unfolding, translocation and unbinding. Since motor proteins are found either at the cis ‐ or trans ‐side of the membrane, different mechanisms for translocation have been proposed. In the Power stroke model, cis ‐acting motors are thought to push, while trans ‐motors pull on the substrate protein during translocation. In the Brownian ratchet model, translocation occurs by diffusion of the unfolded polypeptide through the translocation pore while directionality is achieved by trapping and refolding. Recent insights in the structure and function of the molecular motors suggest that different mechanisms can be employed simultaneously.