Molecular cloning and sequence and 3D models analysis of the Sec61α subunit of protein translocation complex from Penicillium ochrochloron

BMB Rep. 2011 Nov;44(11):719-24. doi: 10.5483/BMBRep.2011.44.11.719.

Abstract

The Sec61α subunit is the core subunit of the protein conducting channel which is required for protein translocation in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. In this study, we cloned a Sec61α subunit from Penicillium ochrochloron (PoSec61α). Sequence and 3D structural model analysis showed that PoSec61α conserved the typical characteristics of eukaryotic and prokaryotic Sec61α subunit homologues. The pore ring known as the constriction point of the channel is formed by seven hydrophobic amino acids. Two methionine residues from transmembrane α-helice 7 (TM7) contribute to the pore ring formation and projected notably to the pore area and narrowed the pore compared with the superposed residues at the corresponding positions in the crystal structures or the 3D models of the Sec61α subunit homologues in archaea or other eukaryotes, respectively. Results reported herein indicate that the pore ring residues differ among Sec61α subunit homologues and two hydrophobic residues in the TM7 contribute to the pore ring formation.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Fungal Proteins / chemistry
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism
  • Genes, Fungal / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Penicillium / genetics*
  • Phylogeny
  • Protein Subunits / chemistry*
  • Protein Subunits / genetics*
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism
  • Protein Transport
  • SEC Translocation Channels
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Sequence Analysis, Protein*
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Structural Homology, Protein

Substances

  • Fungal Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Protein Subunits
  • SEC Translocation Channels

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AB636311