The N-terminal signal sequence directs proteins to which cellular location?
Specificity of protein localization originates from signal sequences, with N-terminal signals directing either secretory or mitochondrial pathways depending on physicochemical properties. Classical secretory signal peptide of about 20 residues with central hydrophobic stretch targets nascent chain cotranslationally to endoplasmic reticulum via signal recognition particle and Sec61 translocon, after which protein traffics via vesicular transport to Golgi apparatus for glycan modification and sorting to lysosome via mannose-6-phosphate tag generated in cis Golgi, to plasma membrane, or extracell
Ref: Chacinska et al., Cell 2009, Sorting of N-Terminal Signals. Alberts 7th ed., Chapter 12.
