EFFECTS OF SULFONATE ANIONS ON THE SELF-ASSEMBLY OF BRAIN TUBULIN

Sulfonate buffers and aliphatic sulfonate salts influence the formation of microtubules in vitro in a manner that is not explained on the basis of ionic strength. Their presence stimulates assembly at higher pH values causing a broadening of the pH optimum curve. Assembly can occur in very high concentrations of sulfonate salts, at ionic strengths which inhibit assembly in the absence of these compounds. The effectiveness of the aliphatic sulfonate compounds is altered as the chain length is increased. Dimethylsulfoxide has an additional effect and influences the structure of the polymerized product. © 1979 Academic Press, Inc. All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.