During myogenesis in Drosophila embryos, a prominent adhesive structure is formed between precursor cells and fusion-competent myoblasts (fcms). Here, we show that Duf/Kirre and its interaction partners Rols7 (found in founder myoblasts and growing myotubes) and Sns (found in fcms) are organized in a ring-structure at the contact points of fcms with precursor cells, while cytoskeletal components like F-actin and Titin are centered in this ring in both cell types. The cytoplasmic protein Blow colocalizes with the actin plugs in fcms after cell adhesion. Furthermore, the requirement of additional as yet unidentified components was demonstrated by using mammalian C2C12 myoblasts. In this study, we propose that the fusion-restricted myogenic-adhesive structure (FuRMAS) is pivotal in linking cell adhesion as well as local F-actin assembly and dynamics to downstream events that ultimately lead to plasma membrane fusion. Moreover, we suggest that the FuRMAS may restrict the area of membrane breakdown. Developmental Dynamics 236:404 -415, 2007.
Mouse RNA polymerase I requires at least two chromatographically distinct transcription factors (designated TIF-IA and TIF-IB) to initiate transcription accurately and efficiently in vitro. In this paper we describe the partial purification of TIF-IA by a four-step fractionation procedure. The amount or activity of TIF-IA fluctuates in response to the physiological state of the cells. Extracts from quiescent cells are incapable of specific transcription and do not contain detectable levels of TIF-IA. Transcriptionally inactive extracts can be restored by the addition of TIF-IA preparations that have been highly purified from exponentially growing cells. During the fractionating procedure TIF-IA co-purifies with RNA polymerase I, suggesting that it is functionally associated with the transcribing enzyme. We suggest that only those enzyme molecules that are associated with TIF-IA are capable to interact with TIF-IB and to initiate transcription.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.