Vanadate inhibits saltatory organelle movement in a permeabilized cell model

Abstract

A method has been developed for sustaining saltatory organelle movement in permeabilized cells. Fibroblasts are permeabilized using the nonionic detergent, Brij 58, with a 2-step procedure modified from the methods of Cande [1–4]. Saltatory movement continues for 20–40 min in the permeabilized cells, provided that ATP is present in the lysis medium, although the saltations are less frequent and slower than those seen before detergent treatment. Vanadate rapidly and reversibly inhibits saltatory movement in the permeabilized cells. Inhibition by vanadate suggests that a dynein-like molecule may be involved in the mechanism of saltatory movement.