Identification of Novel Signal Recognition Factors for Mitochondrial beta-barrel Membrane Proteins

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K15043
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 43030:Functional biochemistry-related
• Research Institution: University of Miyazaki
• Principal Investigator: Germany Edward 宮崎大学, フロンティア科学総合研究センター, 研究員 (00866767)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: βバレル型膜タンパク質 / 大腸菌 / ミトコンドリア / 蛋白質輸送

Outline of Final Research Achievements

β-barrel membrane proteins are membrane proteins with unique structures found in the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria and chloroplasts. Their conformation and membrane insertion, known as assembly, are essential for life with β-barrel membrane proteins. They are carried out by the recognition of the beta signal present in the protein by the transport machinery. However, other prominent assembly mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we focused on the interaction between the transported protein and the transport apparatus in order to explore other molecular mechanisms. As a result, an internal signal was found in bacteria and this was confirmed to be present in mitochondria.

Free Research Field

蛋白質科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、バクテリアにおけるInternalシグナルの発見、及びそれがミトコンドリアに保存されていることを見出した。βバレル型膜タンパク質のアセンブリーは、バクテリアでは抗菌薬の標的となりうるが、ミトコンドリアにも同様のシステムが存在するため副作用の可能性が指摘されている。今回、バクテリアとミトコンドリアの両方で解析したことで、その相違点、類似点を列挙することができた。これらの情報は、副作用の少ないβバレル型膜タンパク質のアセンブリー阻害薬の開発に重要な情報を提供しうる。