Characterization of a recombinant plastid translocon co-chaperone

Abstract

The transport of proteins into plastids is dependent on how the different translocon components work together. One translocon component, Tic40, possesses functional features found in other proteins such as co-chaperones and may thus work similarly in this capacity. To enhance the understanding of Tic40s mode of operation, a more basic characterization of the protein itself is required. This study was designed largely to examine the properties of recombinant Tic40 without the predicted transmembrane region. The properties of Tic40 revealed in this report are: 1) In plants, overall Tic40 levels can adjust to temperature; 2) Recombinant Tic40 proteins appear to display some level of functionality in the soluble form; and 3) Outside of a membranous context, the formation of complexes involving recombinant Tic40 can be influenced by temperature. The potential significance of these basic properties is discussed.