Entrapping desired amounts of actin filaments and molecular motor proteins in giant liposomes

Langmuir. 2008 Oct 21;24(20):11323-6. doi: 10.1021/la802031n. Epub 2008 Sep 24.

Abstract

We have successfully prepared cell-sized giant liposomes encapsulating desired amounts of actoHMM, a mixture of actin filament (F-actin) and heavy meromyosin (HMM, an actin-related molecular motor), in the presence of 5 mM MgCl 2 and 50 mM KCl. We employed a spontaneous transfer method to prepare those liposomes. In the absence of HMM, F-actin was distributed homogeneously inside the liposomes. In contrast, when F-actin was encapsulated in liposomes together with HMM, network structures were generated. Such network structures are attributable to the cross-linking of F-actin by HMM.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / chemistry*
  • Actins / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Liposomes / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / chemistry*
  • Muscles / metabolism
  • Myosins / chemistry
  • Rabbits
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Actins
  • Liposomes
  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Myosins