Dynamic changes in plasma membrane properties of Semliki Forest virus infected cells related to cell fusion.
The mechanism of the processes leading to membrane fusion is as yet unknown. In this report we demonstrate that changes in membrane potential and potassium fluxes correlate with Semliki Forest virus induced cell-cell fusion at mildly acidic pH. The changes observed occur only at pH's below 6.2 corresponding to values required to trigger the fusion process. A possible role of these alterations of the plasma membrane related to membrane fusion phenomena is discussed.
Kempf
C
C
Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, University of Bern, Switzerland.
Michel
M R
MR
Kohler
U
U
Koblet
H
H
Oetliker
H
H
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000032:analysis; D000330:Aedes / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D002459:Cell Fusion; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007474:Ion Exchange; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D011188:Potassium / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D012672:Semliki forest virus / Q000502:physiology; D014036:Togaviridae Infections / Q000378:metabolism*
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D011188:Potassium