scholarly journals Targeting of an abundant cytosolic form of the protein import receptor at Toc159 to the outer chloroplast membrane

2001 ◽  
Vol 154 (2) ◽  
pp. 309-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Hiltbrunner ◽  
Jörg Bauer ◽  
Pierre-Alexandre Vidi ◽  
Sibylle Infanger ◽  
Petra Weibel ◽  
...  

Chloroplast biogenesis requires the large-scale import of cytosolically synthesized precursor proteins. A trimeric translocon (Toc complex) containing two homologous GTP-binding proteins (atToc33 and atToc159) and a channel protein (atToc75) facilitates protein translocation across the outer envelope membrane. The mechanisms governing function and assembly of the Toc complex are not yet understood. This study demonstrates that atToc159 and its pea orthologue exist in an abundant, previously unrecognized soluble form, and partition between cytosol-containing soluble fractions and the chloroplast outer membrane. We show that soluble atToc159 binds directly to the cytosolic domain of atToc33 in a homotypic interaction, contributing to the integration of atToc159 into the chloroplast outer membrane. The data suggest that the function of the Toc complex involves switching of atToc159 between a soluble and an integral membrane form.

1997 ◽  
Vol 139 (7) ◽  
pp. 1677-1685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrei Kouranov ◽  
Danny J. Schnell

We have investigated the interactions of two nuclear-encoded preproteins with the chloroplast protein import machinery at three stages in import using a label-transfer crosslinking approach. During energy-independent binding at the outer envelope membrane, preproteins interact with three known components of the outer membrane translocon complex, Toc34, Toc75, and Toc86. Although Toc75 and Toc86 are known to associate with preproteins during import, a role for Toc34 in preprotein binding previously had not been observed. The interaction of Toc34 with preproteins is regulated by the binding, but not hydrolysis of GTP. These data provide the first evidence for a direct role for Toc34 in import, and provide insights into the function of GTP as a regulator of preprotein recognition. Toc75 and Toc86 are the major targets of cross-linking upon insertion of preproteins across the outer envelope membrane, supporting the proposal that both proteins function in translocation at the outer membrane as well as preprotein recognition. The inner membrane proteins, Tic(21) and Tic22, and a previously unidentified protein of 14 kD are the major targets of crosslinking during the late stages in import. These data provide additional support for the roles of these components during protein translocation across the inner membrane. Our results suggest a defined sequence of molecular interactions that result in the transport of nuclear-encoded preproteins from the cytoplasm into the stroma of chloroplasts.


1996 ◽  
Vol 134 (2) ◽  
pp. 315-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Ma ◽  
A Kouranov ◽  
S E LaSala ◽  
D J Schnell

The interactions of precursor proteins with components of the chloroplast envelope were investigated during the early stages of protein import using a chemical cross-linking strategy. In the absence of energy, two components of the outer envelope import machinery, IAP86 and IAP75, cross-linked to the transit sequence of the precursor to the small subunit of ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase (pS) in a precursor binding assay. In the presence of concentrations of ATP or GTP that support maximal precursor binding to the envelope, cross-linking to the transit sequence occurred predominantly with IAP75 and a previously unidentified 21-kD polypeptide of the inner membrane, indicating that the transit sequence had inserted across the outer membrane. Cross-linking of envelope components to sequences in the mature portion of a second precursor, preferredoxin, was detected in the presence of ATP or GTP, suggesting that sequences distant from the transit sequence were brought into the vicinity of the outer membrane under these conditions. IAP75 and a third import component, IAP34, were coimmunoprecipitated with IAP86 antibodies from solubilized envelope membranes, indicating that these three proteins form a stable complex in the outer membrane. On the basis of these observations, we propose that IAP86 and IAP75 act as components of a multisubunit complex to mediate energy-independent recognition of the transit sequence and subsequent nucleoside triphosphate-induced insertion of the transit sequence across the outer membrane.


2002 ◽  
Vol 159 (5) ◽  
pp. 845-854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jörg Bauer ◽  
Andreas Hiltbrunner ◽  
Petra Weibel ◽  
Pierre-Alexandre Vidi ◽  
Mayte Alvarez-Huerta ◽  
...  

Two homologous GTP-binding proteins, atToc33 and atToc159, control access of cytosolic precursor proteins to the chloroplast. atToc33 is a constitutive outer chloroplast membrane protein, whereas the precursor receptor atToc159 also exists in a soluble, cytosolic form. This suggests that atToc159 may be able to switch between a soluble and an integral membrane form. By transient expression of GFP fusion proteins, mutant analysis, and biochemical experimentation, we demonstrate that the GTP-binding domain regulates the targeting of cytosolic atToc159 to the chloroplast and mediates the switch between cytosolic and integral membrane forms. Mutant atToc159, unable to bind GTP, does not reinstate a green phenotype in an albino mutant (ppi2) lacking endogenous atToc159, remaining trapped in the cytosol. Thus, the function of atToc159 in chloroplast biogenesis is dependent on an intrinsic GTP-regulated switch that controls localization of the receptor to the chloroplast envelope.


1989 ◽  
Vol 109 (2) ◽  
pp. 487-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Hwang ◽  
T Jascur ◽  
D Vestweber ◽  
L Pon ◽  
G Schatz

Import of precursor proteins into the yeast mitochondrial matrix can occur directly across the inner membrane. First, disruption of the outer membrane restores protein import to mitochondria whose normal import sites have been blocked by an antibody against the outer membrane or by a chimeric, incompletely translocated precursor protein. Second, a potential- and ATP-dependent import of authentic or artificial precursor proteins is observed with purified inner membrane vesicles virtually free of outer membrane components. Third, import into purified inner membrane vesicles is insensitive to antibody against the outer membrane. Thus, while outer membrane components are clearly required in vivo, the inner membrane contains a complete protein translocation system that can operate by itself if the outer membrane barrier is removed.


1996 ◽  
Vol 134 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
H M McBride ◽  
I S Goping ◽  
G C Shore

Yeast Mas70p and NADH cytochrome b5 reductase are bitopic integral proteins of the mitochondrial outer membrane and are inserted into the lipid-bilayer in an Nin-Ccyto orientation via an NH2-terminal signal-anchor sequence. The signal anchor of both proteins is comprised of a short, positively charged domain followed by the predicted transmembrane segment. The positively charged domain is capable of functioning independently as a matrix-targeting signal in yeast mitochondria in vitro but does not support import into mammalian mitochondria (rat or human). Rather, this domain represents a cryptic signal that can direct import into mammalian mitochondria only if proximal components of the outer membrane import machinery are removed. This can be accomplished either by treating the surface of the intact mitochondria with trypsin or by generating mitoplasts. The import receptor Tom20p (Mas20p/MOM19) is responsible for excluding the cryptic matrix-targeting signal from mammalian mitochondria since replacement of yeast Tom20p with the human receptor confers this property to the yeast organelle while at the same time maintaining import of other proteins. In addition to contributing to positive recognition of precursor proteins, therefore, the results suggest that hTom20p may also have the ability to screen potential matrix-targeting sequences and exclude certain proteins that would otherwise be recognized and imported by distal components of the outer and inner membrane protein-translocation machinery. These findings also indicate, however, that cryptic signals, if they exist within otherwise native precursor proteins, may remain topogenically silent until the precursor successfully clears hTom20p, at which time the activity of the cryptic signal is manifested and can contribute to subsequent translocation and sorting of the polypeptide.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia E Gross ◽  
Anna Klinger ◽  
Nicole Spies ◽  
Theresa Ernst ◽  
Nadine Flinner ◽  
...  

Abstract The insertion of organellar membrane proteins with the correct topology requires the following: First, the proteins must contain topogenic signals for translocation across and insertion into the membrane. Second, proteinaceous complexes in the cytoplasm, membrane, and lumen of organelles are required to drive this process. Many complexes required for the intracellular distribution of membrane proteins have been described, but the signals and components required for the insertion of plastidic β-barrel-type proteins into the outer membrane are largely unknown. The discovery of common principles is difficult, as only a few plastidic β-barrel proteins exist. Here, we provide evidence that the plastidic outer envelope β-barrel proteins OEP21, OEP24, and OEP37 from pea (Pisum sativum) and Arabidopsis thaliana contain information defining the topology of the protein. The information required for translocation of pea proteins across the outer envelope membrane is present within the six N-terminal β-strands. This process requires the action of TOC (translocon of the outer chloroplast membrane). After translocation into the intermembrane space, β-barrel proteins interact with TOC75-V, as exemplified by OEP37 and P39, and are integrated into the membrane. The membrane insertion of plastidic β-barrel proteins is affected by mutation of the last β-strand, suggesting that this strand contributes to the insertion signal. These findings shed light on the elements and complexes involved in plastidic β-barrel protein import.


2000 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 485-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Chen ◽  
X. Chen ◽  
D. J. Schnell

The development and maintenance of chloroplasts relies on the contribution of protein subunits from both plastid and nuclear genomes. Most chloroplast proteins are encoded by nuclear genes and are post-translationally imported into the organelle across the double membrane of the chloroplast envelope. Protein import into the chloroplast consists of two essential elements: the specific recognition of the targeting signals (transit sequences) of cytoplasmic preproteins by receptors at the outer envelope membrane and the subsequent translocation of preproteins simultaneously across the double membrane of the envelope. These processes are mediated via the co-ordinate action of protein translocon complexes in the outer (Toe apparatus) and inner (Tic apparatus) envelope membranes.


Genetics ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 136 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
T A Harkness ◽  
R L Metzenberg ◽  
H Schneider ◽  
R Lill ◽  
W Neupert ◽  
...  

Abstract We have used a technique referred to as "sheltered RIP" (repeat induced point mutation) to create mutants of the mom-19 gene of Neurospora crassa, which encodes an import receptor for nuclear encoded mitochondrial precursor proteins. Sheltered RIP permits the isolation of a mutant gene in one nucleus, even if that gene is essential for the survival of the organism, by sheltering the nucleus carrying the mutant gene in a heterokaryon with an unaffected nucleus. Furthermore, the nucleus harboring the RIPed gene contains a selectable marker so that it is possible to shift nuclear ratios in the heterokaryons to a state in which the nucleus containing the RIPed gene predominates in cultures grown under selective conditions. This results in a condition where the target gene product should be present at very suboptimal levels and allows the study of the mutant phenotype. One allele of mom-19 generated by this method contains 44 transitions resulting in 18 amino acid substitutions. When the heterokaryon containing this allele was grown under conditions favoring the RIPed nucleus, no MOM19 protein was detectable in the mitochondria of the strain. Homokaryotic strains containing the RIPed allele exhibit a complex and extremely slow growth phenotype suggesting that the product of the mom-19 gene is important in N. crassa.


1996 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 4035-4042 ◽  
Author(s):  
D A Court ◽  
F E Nargang ◽  
H Steiner ◽  
R S Hodges ◽  
W Neupert ◽  
...  

Tom22 is an essential component of the protein translocation complex (Tom complex) of the mitochondrial outer membrane. The N-terminal domain of Tom22 functions as a preprotein receptor in cooperation with Tom20. The role of the C-terminal domain of Tom22, which is exposed to the intermembrane space (IMS), in its own assembly into the Tom complex and in the import of other preproteins was investigated. The C-terminal domain of Tom22 is not essential for the targeting and assembly of this protein, as constructs lacking part or all of the IMS domain became imported into mitochondria and assembled into the Tom complex. Mutant strains of Neurospora expressing the truncated Tom22 proteins were generated by a novel procedure. These mutants displayed wild-type growth rates, in contrast to cells lacking Tom22, which are not viable. The import of proteins into the outer membrane and the IMS of isolated mutant mitochondria was not affected. Some but not all preproteins destined for the matrix and inner membrane were imported less efficiently. The reduced import was not due to impaired interaction of presequences with their specific binding site on the trans side of the outer membrane. Rather, the IMS domain of Tom22 appears to slightly enhance the efficiency of the transfer of these preproteins to the import machinery of the inner membrane.


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