Membranes are boundaries that separate the cell from the external environment.   Membrane proteins can function as e.g. receptors and channels, allowing cells to communicate with the exterior and molecules to pass through the membrane. The biogenesis of membrane proteins involves a protein-conducting channel that aids the hydrophobic segments to partition into the membrane and translocate the hydrophilic loops. Membrane proteins need to fold to its native conformation including post-translational modifications and assembly with other proteins and/or cofactors. If this regulated pathway goes wrong the degradation machinery degrades the protein. If the system is failing can result in serious disorders. The main focus in this thesis is membrane proteins associated to diseases.

We have studied mutations in the gene of presenilin 1, which is involved in Alzheimer’s disease. We found that some mutations affect the structure and other the function of the PS1. URG7 is an unknown protein associated with liver cancer. We suggest it is localized and targeted to the ER membrane, having an N_outC_in topology. SP-C is important for our lungs to function. Mutations can cause the protein to aggregate. We have studied the highly Val-rich transmembrane segment (poly-Val) and its analogue (poly-Leu) and show that poly-Leu folds into a more compact conformation than poly-Val. We show that the C-terminal chaperon-like BRICHOS domain interacts with the ER membrane, suggesting an involvement in poly-Val folding. We have also confirmed the topology of URG7, MRP6 and SP-C poly-Val/Leu using gGFP that is fused to the C-terminal of the protein.