Most membrane proteins are co-translationally inserted into the membrane with the aid of Sec-type translocons. Using so-called translation-arrest peptides derived from bacterial and mammalian proteins as natural force sensors, a new study now demonstrates how force is exerted on a nascent chain at two distinct points in a transmembrane helix during its transit through the translocon channel into the membrane.
- Nurzian Ismail
- Rickard Hedman
- Gunnar von Heijne
