Ribosomes that synthesize membrane proteins are targeted to the protein-conducting channel in the membrane via the signal recognition particle (SRP) pathway. Kinetic analyses now demonstrate that SRP scans ribosomes while undergoing dynamic fluctuations until it encounters a nascent peptide in the exit tunnel and binds the hydrophobic signal-anchor sequence, which stabilizes SRP and switches it into targeting mode.
- Wolf Holtkamp
- Sejeong Lee
- Wolfgang Wintermeyer
