Subcellular particles involved in the translocation of proteins in rat brain

Protein translocation systems which are inhibited by vinblastine, colchicine, and low calcium concentrations have been found in the cells of the brain slice. The early steps in the translocation pathways of newly synthesized protein have been studied by use of a double-label experiment in conjunction with subcellular fractionation. Certain subcellular particles have been positioned on the pathways with reference to vinblastine-sensitive translocation steps. There appears to be many subcellular organelles that are located downstream from a vinblastine-sensitive translocation step and which receive significant quantities of translocated protein within an hour of its synthesis. Some of these organelles co-enrich with the enzyme marker 5'-AMPase. Myelinated axons, Golgi derived vesicles, and smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum all are enriched in fractions which contain a net vinblastine-sensitive importation of protein. The major particles, which lie upstream from a vinblastine-sensitive translocation step and are net exporters of protein on this system, are found in a brain capillary fraction. It is suggested that the most likely exporter present in these capillaries are the end feet of astrocyte glial cells.