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Vaults. II. Ribonucleoprotein structures are highly conserved among higher and lower eukaryotes
N L Kedersha1, M C Miquel, D Bittner
1Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90024-1737.
The Journal of Cell Biology
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Vaults, essential cytoplasmic structures, are found across diverse eukaryotes. Their conserved morphology and protein composition suggest a fundamental role in cellular function.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vaults are unique cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein structures with a complex morphology.
- Previous studies identified rat liver vaults composed of a unique small RNA and a major 104 kDa polypeptide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and conservation of vaults across eukaryotic species.
- To characterize the morphology and polypeptide composition of vaults from diverse organisms.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of vaults from various eukaryotic species including mammals, amphibians, avians, and Dictyostelium discoideum.
- Electron microscopy for morphological and dimensional analysis.
- Polypeptide composition analysis and antibody-based cross-reactivity studies.
Main Results:
- Vaults were found to be ubiquitous among the eukaryotes examined.
- Electron microscopy showed conserved dimensions and morphology across species.
- Polypeptide composition was similar, with a major ~100 kDa polypeptide recognized by anti-rat vault antibodies in all species.
Conclusions:
- Vaults are broadly distributed and strongly conserved across eukaryotes.
- The conserved nature of vaults suggests an essential function in eukaryotic cells.