Microinjection of a monoclonal antibody against a 37-kD protein (tropomyosin 2) prevents the formation of new acetylcholine receptor clusters

J Cell Biol. 1989 Nov;109(5):2337-44. doi: 10.1083/jcb.109.5.2337.

Abstract

We have shown previously that chick muscle cells transformed with Rous sarcoma virus are unable to form clusters of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) (Anthony, D. T., S. M. Schuetze, and L. L. Rubin. 1984. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 81:2265-2269) and are missing a 37-KD tropomyosin-like protein (TM-2) (Anthony, D. T., R. J. Jacobs-Cohen, G. Marazzi, and L. L. Rubin. 1988. J. Cell Biol. 106:1713-1721). In an attempt to clarify the role of TM-2 in the formation and/or maintenance of AChR clusters, we have microinjected a monoclonal antibody specific for TM-2 (D3-16) into normal chick muscle cells in culture. D3-16 injection blocks the formation of new clusters but does not affect the preexisting ones. In addition, TM-2 is concentrated at rat neuromuscular junctions. These data suggest that TM-2 may play an important role in promoting the formation of AChR clusters.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal* / administration & dosage
  • Azides / pharmacology
  • Chick Embryo
  • Microinjections
  • Muscles / cytology
  • Muscles / drug effects
  • Muscles / physiology*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / physiology
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / physiology*
  • Sodium Azide
  • Tropomyosin / immunology
  • Tropomyosin / physiology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Azides
  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • Tropomyosin
  • Sodium Azide