Expression and localization of two SecA homologs in the unicellular red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2012;76(2):417-22. doi: 10.1271/bbb.110833.

Abstract

SecA is an ATP-driven motor for Sec translocase that participates in bacterial protein export and thylakoidal import in plants. We have reported that Cyanidioschyzon merolae, a unicellular red alga, possesses a nuclear-encoded secA(nuc) and a plastid-encoded secA(pt) gene. In this study we found that the amount of SecA(nuc) protein almost quadrupled at high temperature, whereas that of the SecA(pt) protein increased far less. We were also able to determine the localization of both SecAs to the chloroplast by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. We suggest that SecA(nuc) has an important role in the chloroplast at high temperatures.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Nucleus
  • Chloroplasts / metabolism
  • Genes, Plant
  • Plant Proteins
  • Plastics
  • Protein Transport
  • Rhodophyta / metabolism*
  • Sequence Homology
  • Temperature
  • Thylakoids / metabolism

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Plant Proteins
  • Plastics