Most of the newly synthesized proteins are not functional. After
attaining a three dimensional structure by folding mechanism, these
proteins undergo several structural and chemical alterations to
become fully functional. This changes include additions, deletions,
trimming and structural reorganization. All the changes that are
needed by the newly synthesized proteins after completion of
translation are known as post translational modifications.
- Trimming:- many proteins are originally
synthesized as much bigger molecules. During trimming, the proteins
get rid of the unwanted portion of the original precursor molecule
by proteolysis and release the active protein. There are several
examples- formation of insulin from preproinsulin, zymogens to
active enzymes, etc.
- Structural reorganization:- compared to the
introns of mRNA, there are certain intervening portions in proteins
called inteins which are removed during post translational
processing. The remaining exteins are spliced together to form the
functional protein molecule.
- Modifications at the N-terminal and C-terminal
ends:- the N-terminal of the polypeptide contains
formylmethionine (prokaryotes) and methionine (eukaryotes). In most
cases the amino acids at the amino terminal and carboxy terminal
ends are either removed or modified during post translational
modifications.
- Covalent modifications:-
Phosphorylation:- the enzymes that add phosphate
group are called protein kinases, while those that remove phosphate
group are called protein phosphatases. The regulatory enzymes of
major metabolic pathways are subject to alternate phosphorylation
dephosphorylation depending on the cellular needs.
Hydroxylation:- In collagen, amino acids proline
and lysine are hydroxylated to form hydroxyproline and
hydroxylysine respectively. This post translational modification
make the collagen mature. The hydroxylation of amino acids is
useful in forming covalent crosslinks that confer rigidity on the
triple helical structure of the collagen molecule.
Glycosylation:- many proteins contain extensive
carbohydrate side chains (glycoproteins). These oligosaccharide
side chains are usually attached to the hydroxyl groups of serine
and threonine (O-linked glycoproteins) or to the amino group of
asparagine (N-linked glycoproteins).