Getting to the membrane: How is co-translational protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum regulated?

Co-translational protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum requires the signal-recognition particle, its cognate receptor and the translocation channel. Co-ordination of the targeting process necessitates the interaction of these components with each other and with the ribosome. These interactions are regulated by three GTPases, which act in concert, ensuring the fidelity of the targeting process.