Document Type
Article
Date
11-2000
Keywords
Neurofilament, Intermediate filament, Axonal transport, Microtubule, Kinesin, Cytoskeleton
Language
English
Disciplines
Biology
Description/Abstract
Using squid axoplasm as a model system, we have visualized the fast transport of non-filamentous neurofilament protein particles along axonal microtubules. This transport occurs at speeds of 0.5-1.0 microm/second and the majority of neurofilament particles stain with kinesin antibody. These observations demonstrate, for the first time, that fast (0.5-1.0 microm/second) transport of neurofilament proteins occurs along microtubules. In addition, our studies suggest that neurofilament protein can be transported as non-membrane bound, nonfilamentous subunits along axons, and that the transport is kinesin-dependent. Microtubule-based fast transport might therefore provide a mechanism for the distribution and turnover of neurofilament, and perhaps other cytoskeletal proteins, throughout neurons.
Recommended Citation
Prahlad, V., B. T. Helfand, G. M. Langford, R. D. Vale, and R. D. Goldman. 2000. “Fast Transport of Neurofilament Protein along Microtubules in Squid Axoplasm.” Journal of Cell Science 113 ( Pt 22) (November): 3939–46.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
