Characean actin cables as a tool for studying myosin movement

Abstract

Techniques were developed to induce sliding movement of foreign myosin along the characean actin cables. Since characean actin cables per se have no Ca²⁺ sensitivity, it is possible to analyze myosin-linked regulation of actin-myosin sliding by Ca²⁺. It is also possible to study sliding movement of myosin without purification of myosin. Usefulness of this technique was discussed.