Precipitation of Proteins by Vinblastine and Calcium Ions

Abstract

We have found that vinblastine sulfate can precipitate a number of proteins in addition to microtubule protein. Those proteins which precipitate with vinblastine sulfate, all of which were derived from structure, also precipitate with Ca(2+) ions. Our results suggest that vinblastine sulfate, presumably acting as a cation, precipitates proteins by combining with sites which can also combine with Ca(2+) ions.