Membrane integration of Sec61α: A core component of the endoplasmic reticulum translocation complex

Abstract

The Sec61 complex is a central component of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) translocation site. The complex consists of three subunits: Sec61α, Sec61β and Sec61γ, at least two of which (α and β) are adjacent to nascent proteins during membrane insertion. Another component of the translocation machinery is the translocating chain-associating membrane (TRAM) protein, which is also adjacent to many nascent proteins during membrane insertion. Sec61a functions as the major component of a transmembrane channel formed by oligomers of the Sec61 complex. This channel is the site of secretory protein translocation and membrane protein integration at the ER membrane. Sec61α is a polytopic integral membrane protein, and we have studied its biosynthesis and membrane integration in vitro. Using a cross-linking approach to analyse the environment of a series of discrete Sec61α membrane-integration intermediates, we find: (i) newly synthesized Sec61α is adjacent to known components of the ER membrane-insertion site, namely Sec61α, Sec61β and TRAM, and thus the integration of Sec61α appears to require a pre-existing Sec61 complex; (ii) a site-specific cross-linking analysis indicates that the first transmembrane domain of Sec61α remains adjacent to protein components of the ER-insertion site (specifically TRAM and Sec61β) during the insertion of at least three subsequent transmembrane domains; and (iii) the membrane integration of Sec61α requires ER targeting by the signal-recognition particle.