Fusion of SV40-Induced Endocytotic Vacuoles with the Nuclear Membrane

Abstract

The interaction between simian virus 40(SV40)-induced endo-cytotic vacuoles and the nuclear membrane was investigated using cationizec ferritin (CF) and concanavalin A (Con A) as cell membrane markers. These markers bound to the cell surfaces of CV-1 cells together with SV40 at 4°C Following incubation of these modified cells at 37°C in serum-free medium, the cell membranes showed many invaginations. After incubation for 60 min a 37°C in the same medium, many various-sized vacuoles were present than contained membrane-bound CF, Con A and SV40. After 2 h of incubation a’ 37°C, Con A was present in some areas of the perinuclear cisterna along the nuclear membrane. The control experiment, however, showed no localizatior of Con A-binding on the nuclear membrane. These results provide evidence that SV40-induced endocytotic vacuoles migrate toward the nucleus and fuse with its membrane. © 1986, Japan Society for Cell Biology. All rights reserved.