Translocons
Translocons are protein-conducting channels embedded in biological membranes that mediate the translocation of polypeptides across membranes or their integration into membrane environments. They are essential for secretion, organellar protein import, and membrane protein assembly in all domains of life.
In eukaryotes, the best characterized translocon is the Sec61 complex in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Sec61
In other organelles and bacteria, translocons fulfill similar roles with different machineries. Mitochondria utilize the TOM
Mechanistically, translocons provide a regulated pore with a lateral gate that can insert hydrophobic segments into