Cytochalasin D does not produce net depolymerization of actin filaments in HEp-2 cells - PubMed (original) (raw)

. 1980 Oct 16;287(5783):637-9.

doi: 10.1038/287637a0.

Cytochalasin D does not produce net depolymerization of actin filaments in HEp-2 cells

A Morris et al. Nature. 1980.

Abstract

The altered morphology, disappearance or 'disruption' of actin filaments (microfilaments) in cells treated with cytochalasin has sometimes been attributed to depolymerization of filamentous actin (F-actin) to its globular subunit (G-actin), but attempts to confirm that mechanism have been inconclusive. Treatment of purified actin filaments with cytochalasin B (CB) decreased their viscosity, consistent with depolymerization, which was not, however, revealed by electron microscopy, although the filaments appeared abnormal. CB also increased the ATP-ase activity of F-actin, suggesting that it had been destabilized, while actin filaments in the acrosomal process were not depolymerized. CB or cytochalasin D (CD) can dissolve actin gels (reviewed in ref. 7, see also refs 8 and 9) without depolymerizing their filaments. The 'disrupted' actin structures in CD-treated cells bound heavy meromysin, indicating that at least some of the cellular actin was filamentous. Using a rapid assay for G- and F-actin in cell extracts, based on the inhibition of DNase I, we have found that neither short-nor long-term exposure of HEp-2 cells to CD produce net depolymerization of actin filaments.

PubMed Disclaimer

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

LinkOut - more resources