Structure of a complex of the ATPase SecA and the protein-translocation channel.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Source:

Nature, Volume 455, Issue 7215, p.936-43 (2008)

Keywords:

Adenosine Triphosphatases, Adenosine Triphosphate, Bacillus subtilis, Bacterial Proteins, Crystallography, X-Ray, Hydrolysis, Membrane Transport Proteins, Models, Biological, Models, Molecular, Movement, Multiprotein Complexes, Protein Binding, Protein Conformation, Protein Sorting Signals, Protein Transport, SEC Translocation Channels, Structure-Activity Relationship, Thermotoga maritima

Abstract:

<p>Most proteins are secreted from bacteria by the interaction of the cytoplasmic SecA ATPase with a membrane channel, formed by the heterotrimeric SecY complex. Here we report the crystal structure of SecA bound to the SecY complex, with a maximum resolution of 4.5 ångström (A), obtained for components from Thermotoga maritima. One copy of SecA in an intermediate state of ATP hydrolysis is bound to one molecule of the SecY complex. Both partners undergo important conformational changes on interaction. The polypeptide-cross-linking domain of SecA makes a large conformational change that could capture the translocation substrate in a 'clamp'. Polypeptide movement through the SecY channel could be achieved by the motion of a 'two-helix finger' of SecA inside the cytoplasmic funnel of SecY, and by the coordinated tightening and widening of SecA's clamp above the SecY pore. SecA binding generates a 'window' at the lateral gate of the SecY channel and it displaces the plug domain, preparing the channel for signal sequence binding and channel opening.</p>