Sec61β, a subunit of the protein translocation channel, is required during: Drosophila development

Abstract

We have identified and isolated mutations in the first Drosophila gene encoding a subunit of the Sec61 protein translocation channel, DSec61beta. While neither the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sec61beta nor its functional Escherichia coli homologue are essential for viability or for protein translocation, we show that DSec61beta is essential for embryonic development. Homozygous mutant embryos die at the end of embryogenesis and are impaired in the secretion of cuticle proteins from the epidermis. DSec61beta germ line clones, result in defects in dorso-ventral patterning of the egg and are consistent with affected secretion of the protein Gurken from the oocyte to the follicle cells. Clonal analyses in the imaginal discs reveal defects in adult structures, including rhabdomere morphogenesis and a reduction of the size of tarsal segments in the leg. This is the first in vivo study of a component of the protein translocation machinery in higher eukaryotes, and illustrates how a protein that has an inessential, kinetic function in single-cell organisms can become critical for the complex development of a multicellular organism.

The ER Protein Translocation Channel Subunit Sbh1 Controls Virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans

“…Regulation of protein secretion may be important during physiological transitions such as cell differentiation or development. Indeed Sec61β—the only subunit of the Sec61 channel that has been found to be phosphorylated thus far—is important for polarization of epithelial cells, and for development of Drosophila melanogaster embryos ( 33 – 36 ). Both mammalian Sec61β and yeast Sbh1 are phosphorylated at multiple sites in various combinations ( 21 , 33 ; phosphosite databases).…”

The ER protein translocation channel subunit Sbh1 controls virulence ofCryptococcus neoformans

“…Regulation of protein secretion may be important during physiological transitions such as cell differentiation or development. Indeed Sec61ß - the only subunit of the Sec61 channel that has been found to be phosphorylated so far - is important for polarization of epithelial cells, and for development of Drosophila melanogaster embryos (Gruss et al, 1999; Choi et al, 2012; Washiyama et al, 2014; Valcarcel et al, 1999). Both mammalian Sec61ß and yeast Sbh1 are phosphorylated at multiple sites in various combinations (Gruss et al, 1999; Soromani et al, 2012; phosphosite databases).…”