A common mechanism for posttranslational activation of plasma membrane receptors

摘要: The process for posttranslational acquisition of ligand binding function is remarkably similar three receptors with dissimilar structures, namely, the insulin, epidermal growth factor, and acetylcholine receptors. These lack ability to bind immediately after translation, but slowly (t1/2 = 30-45 min) acquire this capacity while in endoplasmic reticulum. This activation step occurs kinetics all and, each case, required N-linked glycosylation. Several lines evidence suggest a common mechanism that involves rearrangement metastable disulfide bonds formed during or translation. precedes subunit assembly both insulin receptors, which also processing steps leading may be an example more general affecting cell surface proteins.