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Nucleic acid interaction with VERO cells. A temperature barrier in the interaction pattern.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|August 23, 1978
Summary
VERO cells interact with spin-labeled nucleic acids above 26°C, but not below 20°C. This temperature-dependent interaction suggests a cell surface phase transition is crucial for nucleic acid binding.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cell surface interactions with nucleic acids are fundamental to biological processes.
- Understanding these interactions requires precise monitoring methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temperature-dependent interaction between VERO cell monolayers and spin-labeled polynucleotides.
- To identify the temperature threshold for nucleic acid-cell surface binding.
Main Methods:
- Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy was employed to study interactions.
- Spin-labeled polynucleotides (A)n, (dUfl)n, (U)n, and (A)n . (U)n were used.
- VERO cells were cultured on quartz plates for direct ESR analysis.
Main Results:
- Nucleic acid-VERO cell interaction showed significant temperature dependence.
- No temperature dependence was observed for free nitroxide radicals or those bound to Sepharose 4B.
- A distinct temperature barrier between 20°C and 26°C was identified for nucleic acid interaction.
Conclusions:
- A temperature-dependent phase transition of VERO cell membrane components or surface products occurs around 26°C.
- This transition is critical for enabling significant interaction between nucleic acids and the cell surface.