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The influence of microtubule integrity on plasma membrane fluidity in L929 cells

A Rémy-Kristensen1, G Duportail, G Coupin

  • 1Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Physico-chimie, UMR CNRS 7034, Illkirch, France.

Molecular Membrane Biology
|September 16, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Microtubule disruption with drugs like colchicine increased plasma membrane fluidity in L929 mouse fibroblasts. This effect was dose-dependent but less significant than other factors like cholesterol.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • The plasma membrane's fluidity is crucial for cellular functions.
  • The role of the microtubule cytoskeleton in regulating membrane properties is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how microtubule integrity affects plasma membrane fluidity in L929 mouse fibroblasts.
  • To determine the impact of specific microtubule-depolymerizing drugs on membrane fluidity.

Main Methods:

  • L929 mouse fibroblasts were treated with colchicine, nocodazole, and vinblastine.
  • Membrane fluidity was measured using fluorescence depolarization with the TMA-DPH probe.
  • Drug effects were assessed for dose- and time-dependence and reversibility.

Main Results:

  • Microtubule-depolymerizing drugs caused a significant, dose-dependent increase in plasma membrane fluidity.
  • The maximum effect (5-7% increase) was observed after approximately 90 minutes.
  • Colchicine and nocodazole effects were reversible, while vinblastine's was not.

Conclusions:

  • Microtubule integrity contributes to maintaining plasma membrane lipidic order.
  • This contribution is less significant compared to factors like lipid composition and cholesterol content.
  • Drug-specific interactions with tubulin/microtubules influence the observed effects on membrane fluidity.

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