Plastids contain a second sec translocase system with essential functions.
Proteins that are synthesized on cytoplasmic ribosomes but function within plastids must be imported and then targeted to one of six plastid locations. Although multiple systems that target proteins to the thylakoid membranes or thylakoid lumen have been identified, a system that can direct the integration of inner envelope membrane proteins from the stroma has not been previously described. Genetics and localization studies were used to show that plastids contain two different Sec systems with distinct functions. Loss-of-function mutations in components of the previously described thylakoid-localized Sec system, designated as SCY1 (At2g18710), SECA1 (At4g01800), and SECE1 (At4g14870) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), result in albino seedlings and sucrose-dependent heterotrophic growth. Loss-of-function mutations in components of the second Sec system, designated as SCY2 (At2g31530) and SECA2 (At1g21650) in Arabidopsis, result in arrest at the globular stage and embryo lethality. Promoter-swap experiments provided evidence that SCY1 and SCY2 are functionally nonredundant and perform different roles in the cell. Finally, chloroplast import and fractionation assays and immunogold localization of SCY2-green fluorescent protein fusion proteins in root tissues indicated that SCY2 is part of an envelope-localized Sec system. Our data suggest that SCY2 and SECA2 function in Sec-mediated integration and translocation processes at the inner envelope membrane.
Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706-1381, USA.
Courtney A
CA
Skalitzky
Jonathan R
JR
Martin
Jessica H
JH
Harwood
John J
JJ
Beirne
Benjamin J
BJ
Adamczyk
Gregory R
GR
Heck
Kenneth
K
Cline
Donna E
DE
Fernandez
D000483:Alleles; D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000196:embryology / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005816:Genetic Complementation Test; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000201:enzymology; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D018087:Plastids / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D021381:Protein Transport; D000069816:SEC Translocation Channels; D036226:Seedlings / Q000201:enzymology; D012639:Seeds / Q000201:enzymology
D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; C557636:SCY2 protein, Arabidopsis; D000069816:SEC Translocation Channels; C557637:SECA2 protein, Arabidopsis