Interaction between Membrane Functions and Protein Synthesis in Reticulocytes. A Membrane Constituent which Inhibits Protein Synthesis in Cell-Free System

Abstract

The [rabbit] reticulocyte cell membrane was investigated for the role that it plays in cellular protein synthesis. A strong inhibition in protein synthesis occurred when a membranal extract was added to a cell-free protein-synthesizing system. The membranal extract was obtained by disrupting and then solubilizing cell membranes with the non-ionic detergent Triton X-100. The inhibition in protein synthesis could neither be attributed to an RNAse-type action nor to a reduction in the energy level of the system. The principal site of action occurs at the elongation or/and termination stages of protein synthesis. Initial purification of the inhibitory component was achieved.