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Cytoplasmic dynein is a vesicle protein.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|March 5, 1992
Summary
Cytoplasmic dynein, a motor protein, is found on synaptic vesicles, not just microtubules. This peripheral membrane protein binds to vesicle membranes, supporting organelle transport models.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Motors
Background:
- Microtubule-based organelle transport relies on motor proteins like cytoplasmic dynein and kinesin.
- These motors are known for their interaction with and movement along microtubules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and function of cytoplasmic dynein beyond microtubule translocation.
- To determine if cytoplasmic dynein associates with synaptic vesicles.
Main Methods:
- Purification of synaptic vesicles.
- Identification of vesicle-associated cytoplasmic dynein via photo-induced cleavage.
- Assessing the binding of soluble dynein to stripped vesicle membranes.
Main Results:
- Cytoplasmic dynein was identified as a peripheral membrane protein on purified synaptic vesicles.
- Soluble dynein binds saturably to depleted vesicle membranes with a dissociation constant of 22.3 nM.
- Dynein binding to membranes is irreversible by ATP but retains ATP-binding and photo-cleavage capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Cytoplasmic dynein is associated with synaptic vesicles as a peripheral membrane protein.
- This association supports models of microtubule-dependent organelle transport.
- Dynein's membrane binding is a distinct functional characteristic relevant to vesicle trafficking.
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