Virotoxins polymerize actin and induce membrane fragmentation in cytoplasmic preparations of Amoeba proteus.
Virotoxins and phalloidin are peptides that induce actin polymerization in vitro. We have compared the effect of five virotoxins and phalloidin on the ultrastructure of spread preparations of Amoeba proteus cytoplasm. Like phalloidin, the five virotoxins induce polymerization of cytoplasmic actin. Moreover, the virotoxins, but not phalloidin, induce membrane fragmentation in small spherical vesicles. We, therefore, conclude that these virotoxins may have another membrane-bound target besides actin.
Gicquaud
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C
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada.
Paré
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M
D000199:Actins / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D000656:Amoeba / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects*; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010590:Phalloidine / Q000494:pharmacology; D011108:Polymers
D000199:Actins; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic; D011108:Polymers; C026460:virotoxins; D010590:Phalloidine; C040702:viroidin; C040703:viroisin