molecular sequestering activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a specific molecule to prevent it from interacting with other partners or to inhibit its localization to the area of the cell or complex where it is active. [PMID:13130076]

Molecular sequestering activity refers to the ability of a molecule to bind to and remove another molecule from its active site, effectively preventing it from participating in biological processes. This binding can be achieved through various mechanisms, including electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces. The molecule that is sequestered, often a target protein or signaling molecule, is rendered inactive or less active by its removal from the environment where it would typically function. This process is crucial for regulating cellular processes by controlling the availability and activity of specific molecules. Sequestration can be achieved through a variety of mechanisms including:
- **Protein-protein interactions:** Binding to a target protein to prevent its interaction with other proteins or substrates.
- **Protein-small molecule interactions:** Binding to small molecules, such as inhibitors or drugs, to prevent their interaction with target proteins.
- **Sequestration within organelles:** Encapsulating the target molecule within organelles, such as vesicles or lysosomes, to isolate it from the rest of the cell.
- **Binding to specific regions within cells:** Localizing the target molecule to specific regions of the cell where it cannot perform its function.
- **Binding to extracellular matrix components:** Binding the target molecule to components of the extracellular matrix to prevent it from diffusing and interacting with other molecules.
This activity plays a vital role in a variety of biological processes, including signal transduction, gene expression, and cell differentiation. Examples of molecules exhibiting molecular sequestering activity include chaperone proteins, which prevent misfolded proteins from aggregating, and protein kinases, which can sequester substrates and modulate their activity. '
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (9)