Secpathway
Secpathway refers to the conserved protein translocation system responsible for exporting many proteins across cellular membranes. In bacteria, the Sec-dependent pathway moves unfolded polypeptides across the inner membrane into the periplasm or beyond the cell, while in eukaryotes a homologous Sec61-based translocon mediates import into the endoplasmic reticulum. The pathway is essential for a wide range of cellular processes, including secretion of enzymes, toxins, and cell-surface proteins.
A core bacterial Sec pathway comprises SecA, an ATPase that powers translocation, and the SecYEG channel that
In eukaryotes, the Sec61 complex (Sec61αβγ) forms the core translocon at the endoplasmic reticulum, where nascent
Significance and evolution of the Secpathway reflect its central role in protein sorting and membrane biogenesis.