[The actions of nucleating proteins in vesicle aggregation and fusion: a preliminary study]

After investigation of the effects of Con A-binding proteins, the major biliary pronucleating effectors system on the figures and lipid composition of model biliary vesicles, the authors found that Con A-binding proteins accelerate aggregation and fusion of vesicles as a result of increased vesicular cholesterol and decreased vesicular phospholipids as well as cholesterol-saturated vesicles. We also found that vesicular proteins though in small quantity are potent in pronucleating effects. The distribution of several known nucleating proteins between the vesicles and micelles is quite different, and there are higher content and more potent pronucleating effectors in patients with cholesterol gallstone than those with pigment stone. By affinity staining method, con A-binding proteins were shown in native biliary vesicles as lipid-protein complex. These results suggest that the existence and changes in their quantity and quality of vesicular nucleating proteins play an important role in vesicle aggregation and fusion.