The microtubule-dependent formation of a tubulovesicular network with characteristics of the ER from cultured cell extracts

Sandra L. Dabora, Michael F. Sheetz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

241 Scopus citations

Abstract

The formation of a dynamic tubulovesicular membrane network that resembles the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has been observed in extracts of cultured chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF cells) using video-enhanced differential interference contrast microscopy. Initially, membranes in the CEF extracts appeared amorphous and aggregated, but with time, membrane tubules moved out along stationary microtubules. The membrane tubules formed new branches on intersecting microtubules and fused with other branches to form a network of interconnected polygons. The tubulovesicular network was solubilized by detergent and took on a beaded morphology in a hypotonic buffer. Formation of the tubulovesicular network required ATP and microtubules. The network did not contain elements of the plasma membrane, Golgi apparatus, or mitochondria but could be labeled with ER markers. We suggest that the tubulovesicular network contains components from the ER and is formed by membrane associated motors moving upon microtubules in a process we call microtubule-dependent tethering.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)27-35
Number of pages9
JournalCell
Volume54
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 1988
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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