Science, Vol.278, No.5346, 2123-2126, 1997
Alignment of Conduits for the Nascent Polypeptide-Chain in the Ribosome-Sec61 Complex
An oligomer of the Sec61 trimeric complex is thought to form the protein-conducting channel for protein transport across the endoplasmic reticulum. A purified yeast Sec61 complex bound to monomeric yeast ribosomes as an oligomer in a saturable fashion. Cryo-electron microscopy of the ribosome-Sec61 complex and a three-dimensional reconstruction showed that the Sec61 oligomer is attached to the large ribosomal subunit by a single connection. Moreover, a funnel-shaped pore in the Sec61 oligomer aligned with the exit of a tunnel traversing the large ribosomal subunit, strongly suggesting that both structures function together in the translocation of proteins across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane.
Keywords:ENDOPLASMIC-RETICULUM MEMBRANE;ESCHERICHIA-COLI;PROTEIN TRANSLOCATION;CRYOELECTRON MICROSCOPY;ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY;SECRETORY PROTEINS;ENVIRONMENT;RESOLUTION;HOMOLOG;SEC61P