HMW-2, the Sertoli cell cytoplasmic dynein from rat testis, is a dimer composed of nearly identical subunits.
The ultrastructure and biochemical characteristics of HMW-2, the Sertoli cell cytoplasmic dynein isolated from rat testes, were analyzed. Electron microscopic studies revealed a two-headed two-stem structure with dimensions very similar to other dyneins. We found that, like other cytoplasmic dyneins, both heads have an approximately spherical shape with a central cavity. Heavy chain analysis suggested the presence of only one type of heavy chain, a finding that was supported by the simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics displayed by the HMW-2-associated ATPase activity. In addition, dissociation of the HMW-2 complex resulted in a single type of dynein subunit sedimenting at 11.8 S. This fraction contained all the polypeptides present in the undissociated HMW-2. Ultrastructurally the HMW-2 subunits were composed of one globular domain with a tail. The simplest interpretation is that HMW-2 is a dimer of nearly identical subunits, each containing one heavy chain, one 90-kDa intermediate chain, and two light chains.
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Related Subject Headings
- Sertoli Cells
- Rats
- Molecular Weight
- Microscopy, Electron
- Male
- Macromolecular Substances
- Dyneins
- Cytoplasm
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Animals
Citation
Published In
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Sertoli Cells
- Rats
- Molecular Weight
- Microscopy, Electron
- Male
- Macromolecular Substances
- Dyneins
- Cytoplasm
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Animals