Actomyosin interactions with insulin-storage granules in vitro

Biochem J. 1982 Jul 15;206(1):157-60. doi: 10.1042/bj2060157.

Abstract

Interactions between actomyosin and insulin storage granules isolated from rat islets of Langerhans have been examined in a simple system in vitro, which allows comparison of the sedimentation of the granules in the presence of absence of actomyosin in various conditions. Actomyosin altered granule-sedimentation rates in a manner consistent with the binding of the granules of actomyosin filaments. This interaction was enhanced by addition of ATP (1.5 mM) but unaltered by addition of CaCl2, by calmodulin or by calmodulin in the presence of 10 microM-CaCl2. Addition of EGTA (0.1 mM), cyclic AMP (10 microM) of cytochalasin B (10 microgram/ml) were also without effects in these conditions. Pre-incubation of granules with phospholipase c did not affect granule-actomyosin interaction. Ultrastructural studies showed close contacts between the membranes of the granules and actomyosin filaments. The results indicate the possibility that actomyosin might provide the motile force for granule translocation during the insulin secretory process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actomyosin / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Centrifugation, Density Gradient
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / drug effects
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / metabolism*
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Insulin / metabolism*
  • Islets of Langerhans / drug effects
  • Islets of Langerhans / metabolism*
  • Islets of Langerhans / ultrastructure
  • Rats

Substances

  • Insulin
  • Actomyosin