Central element of signal recognition particle characterised
through structural biology
In their research on cellular protein transport, Heidelberg
researchers have succeeded in characterising the structure and function of
another important element of this complex transport system. At centre stage is
the signal recognition particle, or SRP, the molecular “postman” for the
sorting and membrane insertion of proteins. The team led by Prof. Dr. Irmgard
Sinning of the Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center was now able to decode
an important and so far not characterised SRP component. The results of this research
were published today in “Science”.