M5: Leaving the Cell Flashcards
Is phase contrast microscopy or immunofluorescence microscopy a better technique for viewing the RER?
Although phase contrast microscopy shows details, immunofluorescence is a better technique because we can specifically see those membranes only on the RER.
Two types of ER
rough ER and smooth ER
Rough ER
- continuous
- rough appearance due to the ribosomes that dot the surface
- site of co-translational transport, protein modification and formation of vesicles
Smooth ER
- continuous
- smooth appearance due to no presence of ribosomes
- site of fatty acids, phospholipid synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism occurring, and where calcium is sequestered
Post-translational modifications in ER
glycosylation, protein folding, disulphide bond formation, and proteolytic cleavage
Where do modifications to proteins targeted to the ER lumen occur?
along the entire length of the protein
Where do modifications to proteins embedded in the ER membrane occur?
only occur on luminal portion of the protein
Protein glucosylation
addition of polysaccharide or sugar group to a protein
Where does protein glycosylation occur usually?
it is common on proteins embedded in the cell membrane
N-linked glycosylation
- most common form of glycosylation
- addition of a polysacchardie to the NH2 of the R group of asparagine
Lectins
family of proteins that recognize modified proteins and assist in protein folding in a similar manner to molecular chaperones
BiP
- an ER-resident protein that is a member of HSP70 family of proteins
- BiP and its chaperones (Hsp40 and nucleotide exchange factor) is crucial for efficient ER protein folding
Disulphide bonds
covalent linkages between the sulphydral groups (-SH groups) of two cysteine residues
Where does the oxidative reaction that forms disulphide bond for protein modification occur?
ER lumen
Where does the reductive reaction that reverses disulphide bonds occur?
cytosol in ER
Pancreatic ribonuclease A (RNAse A)
- contains 4 disulphide bridges
- secreted to intestine to aid in digestion of RNA by cleaning it into small pieces
- acidic conditions of small intestine would cause most proteins to unfold but these bonds maintain the functional state of the enzyme
Can disulphide bridges form spontaneously or non-spontaneously within the ER?
spontaneously
Protein disulphide isomerase (PDI)
- resident ER protein that can promote oxidation
- PDI forms an intermediate with 2 cysteine residues to accelerate the rate of reaction
- can also correct inappropriate disulphide bridge formation
Proteolytic Cleavage
- cleavage of the peptide backbone of a protein
What factors cause the ER to become overwhelmed with unfolded proteins?
- overproduction of proteins
- delays in processing steps
- exposure to toxins, heat or other denaturing stresses
- lack of nutrients
What is the first response to unfolded proteins?
trying to restore normal cell function by slowing new protein translation or removing unfolded proteins from ER for degradation through ubquitinylation. The next step is to increase production of chaperone proteins which will assist in protein folding.
Define Unfolded Protein Response (UPR)
- way in which unfolded proteins are detected and then given time and tools to fold properly
- essential proteins for this process within the ER: BiP and Ire1