Golgi Tubule Traffic and the Effects of Brefeldin A Visualized in Living Cells

摘要: The Golgi complex is a dynamic organelle engaged in both secretory and retrograde membrane traffic. Here, we use green fluorescent protein–Golgi protein chimeras to study morphology vivo. In untreated cells, tubules were ubiquitous, prominent feature of the complex, serving interconnect adjacent elements carry outward along microtubules after detaching from stable structures. Brefeldin A treatment, which reversibly disassembles accentuated tubule formation without detachment. network extending throughout cytoplasm was quickly generated persisted for 5–10 min until rapidly emptying contents into ER within 15–30 s. Both lipid emptied at similar rapid rates, leaving no structure behind, indicating that membranes do not simply mix but are absorbed BFA-treated cells. directionality redistribution implied higher free energy state than membranes. Analysis its kinetics suggested mechanism analogous wetting or adsorptive phenomena tension-driven flow supplements diffusive transfer ER. Such nonselective, flow-assisted transport suggests mechanisms regulate detachment integral existence maintenance this organelle.