Abstract

A factor (33K protein) that modulates tubulin polymerization in vitro has been purified to homogeneity from porcine brain by ammonium sulfate fractionation and Whatman DE52, Toyo-pearl HW65C and Bio-Gel A 0.5 m column chromatographies. The purified fraction was free of nucleic acids and sugars. The activity of the purified 33K protein is pronase E sensitive but apparently heat- and trypsin-resistant though it undergoes tryptic digestion. The 33K protein inhibits polymerization of brain microtubule proteins in a dose-dependent manner and partially depolymerizes preformed microtubules. It also inhibits polymerization of purified starfish tubulin and microtubule elongation involving fragellar outer doublet microtubules and purified porcine brain tubulin. This suggests that the target of the 33K protein is tubulin rather than microtubule-associated proteins. The 33K protein causes incomplete depolymerization of microtubules and a new steady state is quickly attained which is apparently independent of microtubule mass concentration. Divalent cations such as calcium and magnesium do not modulate the inhibitory activity of the 33K protein.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.