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Molecular weight estimation of bovine brain mitochondrial monoamine oxidase
Abstract:
The molecular size of bovine brain mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (MAO) was investigated Mitochondria were solubilized with an anionic detergent. Emarl 20C, and fractionated by ammonium sulfate. Ammonium sulfate-fractionated MAO was subjected to detergent-containing gel chromatography and detergent-containing gel electrophoresis. MAO activity appeared as single symmetrical peak in gel chromatography in the presence of 1% Emarl 20C, and the molecular weight was estimated to be 44,000. Polymerization of MAO was observed when gel chromatography was performed in lower (0.1%, 0%) concentrations of Emarl 20C. Activity staining of MAO after electrophoresis on a gel containing 0.1% Emar 20C was successful. The molecular weight of MAO estimated from the mobility of this stained band was 89,000. It is suggested that the molecular weight of MAO is 44,000 and that it recombines in low concentrations of the detergent to form complex particles with molecular weights of 89,000 or more.
Insights
Bovine brain mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (MAO) has a molecular weight of 44,000. At lower detergent concentrations, MAO forms larger complexes, suggesting aggregation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (MAO) is crucial for neurotransmitter metabolism.
- Understanding MAO's molecular properties is key to its function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the molecular weight of bovine brain mitochondrial MAO.
- To investigate MAO's behavior under varying detergent conditions.
Main Methods:
- Solubilization of mitochondria using Emarl 20C anionic detergent.
- Ammonium sulfate fractionation of MAO.
- Gel chromatography and gel electrophoresis in the presence of detergent.
Main Results:
- MAO exhibited a molecular weight of 44,000 via gel chromatography in 1% Emarl 20C.
- Polymerization and higher molecular weights (89,000) were observed at lower detergent concentrations (0.1%, 0%).
- Activity staining confirmed MAO presence and size in electrophoresis.
Conclusions:
- The native molecular weight of MAO is likely 44,000.
- MAO can aggregate into larger complexes (89,000+ MW) in low detergent concentrations.