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Oscillatory variations in the amount of protein extractable from murine erythroleukemia cells: stimulation by insulin
G M Ferreira1, K D Hammond, D A Gilbert
1Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Abstract:
The amount of protein extractable from murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells varies in an oscillatory manner at high frequency and high amplitude as it does for several other cell lines. Moreover, the rhythm appears to be modulated in periodic fashion with respect to the mean, period and amplitude. The phenomenon thus seems to be universal and fundamental. Time series analyses support the view that several periodicities contribute to the observed protein rhythm. Insulin affects the dynamics as it does for both morphological and phosphorylation oscillations. Caution is necessary in the interpretation of 'specific activities' of cellular components and in electrophoretic studies wherein equal amounts of protein are applied to the wells in an effort to correct for random errors.
Insights
Cellular protein levels oscillate rhythmically in murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells, a fundamental biological phenomenon. Insulin influences these protein oscillations, impacting cellular dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cellular protein levels exhibit oscillatory behavior in various cell lines.
- This protein rhythm is modulated by factors such as mean, period, and amplitude.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the oscillatory nature of protein extractability in murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells.
- To explore the influence of insulin on these protein dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Time series analysis was employed to study protein oscillations.
- The effects of insulin on cellular dynamics were examined.
Main Results:
- Protein extractability in MEL cells shows high-frequency, high-amplitude oscillations.
- Multiple periodicities contribute to the observed protein rhythm.
- Insulin was found to affect the dynamics of protein oscillations, similar to its effects on morphological and phosphorylation oscillations.
Conclusions:
- The observed protein oscillation phenomenon in MEL cells appears universal and fundamental.
- Care is advised when interpreting specific activities and in electrophoretic studies due to potential errors in protein quantification.