Analysis of cytoplasmic microtubules and flagellar roots in the zoospores ofAllomyces macrogynus

PROTOPLASMA ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 155 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 221-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. R. Aliaga ◽  
J. C. Pommerville
Keyword(s):  
Flagellar Roots ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubules

Contributions to the mechanisms of mitosis and roles of cytoplasmic microtubules from ultrastructural analyses of fungi

1978 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 266-267
Author(s):  
I. Brent Heath
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Direct Application ◽  
Ultrastructural Analysis ◽  
General Interest ◽  
Research Results ◽  
Organelle Motility ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubules

Detailed ultrastructural analysis of fungal mitotic systems and cytoplasmic microtubules might be expected to contribute to a number of areas of general interest in addition to the direct application to the organisms of study. These areas include possibly fundamental general mechanisms of mitosis; evolution of mitosis; phylogeny of organisms; mechanisms of organelle motility and positioning; characterization of cellular aspects of microtubule properties and polymerization control features. This communication is intended to outline our current research results relating to selected parts of the above questions.Mitosis in the oomycetes Saprolegnia and Thraustotheca has been described previously. These papers described simple kinetochores and showed that the kineto- chores could probably be used as markers for the poorly defined chromosomes. Kineto- chore counts from serially sectioned prophase mitotic nuclei show that kinetochore replication precedes centriole replication to yield a single hemispherical array containing approximately the 4 n number of kinetochore microtubules diverging from the centriole associated "pocket" region of the nuclear envelope (Fig. 1).

scholarly journals Microtubule–microtubule sliding by kinesin-1 is essential for normal cytoplasmic streaming in Drosophila oocytes

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (34) ◽  
pp. E4995-E5004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Lu ◽  
Michael Winding ◽  
Margot Lakonishok ◽  
Jill Wildonger ◽  
Vladimir I. Gelfand
Keyword(s):  
Cytoplasmic Streaming ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Nurse Cells ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Actin Cortex ◽  
Microtubule Motor ◽  
Multiple Cell ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubules ◽  
Two Populations

Cytoplasmic streaming in Drosophila oocytes is a microtubule-based bulk cytoplasmic movement. Streaming efficiently circulates and localizes mRNAs and proteins deposited by the nurse cells across the oocyte. This movement is driven by kinesin-1, a major microtubule motor. Recently, we have shown that kinesin-1 heavy chain (KHC) can transport one microtubule on another microtubule, thus driving microtubule–microtubule sliding in multiple cell types. To study the role of microtubule sliding in oocyte cytoplasmic streaming, we used a Khc mutant that is deficient in microtubule sliding but able to transport a majority of cargoes. We demonstrated that streaming is reduced by genomic replacement of wild-type Khc with this sliding-deficient mutant. Streaming can be fully rescued by wild-type KHC and partially rescued by a chimeric motor that cannot move organelles but is active in microtubule sliding. Consistent with these data, we identified two populations of microtubules in fast-streaming oocytes: a network of stable microtubules anchored to the actin cortex and free cytoplasmic microtubules that moved in the ooplasm. We further demonstrated that the reduced streaming in sliding-deficient oocytes resulted in posterior determination defects. Together, we propose that kinesin-1 slides free cytoplasmic microtubules against cortically immobilized microtubules, generating forces that contribute to cytoplasmic streaming and are essential for the refinement of posterior determinants.

scholarly journals Calmodulin-microtubule association in cultured mammalian cells.

1984 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 904-910 ◽  
Author(s):  
W J Deery ◽  
A R Means ◽  
B R Brinkley
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Cell System ◽  
The Other ◽  
Microtubule Assembly ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubule ◽  
Hypotonic Treatment ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubules ◽  
Triton X ◽  
Ca Sensitivity

A Triton X-100-lysed cell system has been used to identify calmodulin on the cytoskeleton of 3T3 and transformed SV3T3 cells. By indirect immunofluorescence, calmodulin was found to be associated with both the cytoplasmic microtubule complex and the centrosomes. A number of cytoplasmic microtubules more resistant to disassembly upon either cold (0-4 degrees C) or hypotonic treatment, as well as following dilution have been identified. Most of the stable microtubules appeared to be associated with the centrosome at one end and with the plasma membrane at the other end. These microtubules could be induced to depolymerize, however, by micromolar Ca++ concentrations. These data suggest that, by interacting directly with the microtubule, calmodulin may influence microtubule assembly and ensure the Ca++-sensitivity of both mitotic and cytoplasmic microtubules.

scholarly journals The centrin-based cytoskeleton of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: distribution in interphase and mitotic cells.

1988 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 635-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
J L Salisbury ◽  
A T Baron ◽  
M A Sanders
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Polyclonal Antibodies ◽  
Flagellar Apparatus ◽  
Immunogold Labeling ◽  
Basal Bodies ◽  
Flagellar Roots ◽  
Cell Biol ◽  
Immunofluorescence Studies ◽  
Descending Fibers

Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies raised against algal centrin, a protein of algal striated flagellar roots, were used to characterize the occurrence and distribution of this protein in interphase and mitotic Chlamydomonas cells. Chlamydomonas centrin, as identified by Western immunoblot procedures, is a low molecular (20,000-Mr) acidic protein. Immunofluorescence and immunogold labeling demonstrates that centrin is a component of the distal fiber. In addition, centrin-based flagellar roots link the flagellar apparatus to the nucleus. Two major descending fibers extend from the basal bodies toward the nucleus; each descending fiber branches several times giving rise to 8-16 fimbria which surround and embrace the nucleus. Immunogold labeling indicates that these fimbria are juxtaposed to the outer nuclear envelope. Earlier studies have demonstrated that the centrin-based linkage between the flagellar apparatus and the nucleus is contractile, both in vitro and in living Chlamydomonas cells (Wright, R. L., J. Salisbury, and J. Jarvik. 1985. J. Cell Biol. 101:1903-1912; Salisbury, J. L., M. A. Sanders, and L. Harpst. 1987. J. Cell Biol. 105:1799-1805). Immunofluorescence studies show dramatic changes in distribution of the centrin-based system during mitosis that include a transient contraction at preprophase; division, separation, and re-extension during prophase; and a second transient contraction at the metaphase/anaphase boundary. These observations suggest a fundamental role for centrin in motile events during mitosis.

scholarly journals Organization of the flagellar apparatus and associate cytoplasmic microtubules in the quadriflagellate alga Polytomella agilis.

1976 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
D L Brown ◽  
A Massalski ◽  
R Patenaude
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Part ◽  
Flagellar Apparatus ◽  
Microtubule Assembly ◽  
Immunofluorescent Staining ◽  
Body Region ◽  
Basal Bodies ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubule ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Attachment Sites ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubules

The organization of microtubular systems in the quadriflagellate unicell Polytomella agilis has been reconstructed by electron microscopy of serial sections, and the overall arrangement confirmed by immunofluorescent staining using antiserum directed against chick brain tubulin. The basal bodies of the four flagella are shown to be linked in two pairs of short fibers. Light microscopy of swimming cells indicates that the flagella beat in two synchronous pairs, with each pair exhibiting a breast-stroke-like motion. Two structurally distinct flagellar rootlets, one consisting of four microtubules in a 3 over 1 pattern and the other of a striated fiber over two microtubules, terminate between adjacent basal bodies. These rootlets diverge from the basal body region and extend toward the cell posterior, passing just beneath the plasma membrane. Near the anterior part of the cell, all eight rootlets serve as attachment sites for large numbers of cytoplasmic microtubules which occur in a single row around the circumference of the cell and closely parallel the cell shape. It is suggested that the flagellar rootless may function in controlling the patterning and the direction of cytoplasmic microtubule assembly. The occurrence of similar rootlet structures in other flagellates is briefly reviewed.

scholarly journals Heterogeneity among microtubules of the cytoplasmic microtubule complex detected by a monoclonal antibody to alpha tubulin.

1984 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 1017-1025 ◽  
Author(s):  
W C Thompson ◽  
D J Asai ◽  
D H Carney
Keyword(s):  
Differential Staining ◽  
Hypotonic Medium ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubule ◽  
Alpha Tubulin ◽  
Apparent Correlation ◽  
Double Label ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubules ◽  
Fibroblastic Cells ◽  
In Cells

Three monoclonal antibodies specific for tubulin were tested by indirect immunofluorescence for their ability to stain cytoplasmic microtubules of mouse and human fibroblastic cells. We used double label immunofluorescence to compare the staining patterns of these antibodies with the total microtubule complex in the same cells that were stained with a polyclonal rabbit antitubulin reagent. Two of the monoclonal antitubulin antibodies bound to all of the cytoplasmic microtubules but Ab 1-6. 1 bound only a subset of cytoplasmic microtubules within individual fixed cells. Differential staining patterns were observed under various fixation conditions and staining protocols, in detergent-extracted cytoskeletons as well as in whole fixed cells. At least one physiologically defined subset of cytoplasmic microtubules, those remaining in cells pretreated for 1 h with 5 microM colcemid, appeared to consist entirely of Ab 1-6. 1 positive microtubules. The same was not true of the microtubules that remained in either cold-treated cells or in cells that had been exposed to hypotonic medium. The demonstration of antigenic differences among microtubules within single fixed cells and the apparent correlation of this antigenic difference with at least one "physiologically" defined subset suggests that mechanisms exist for the differential assembly or postassembly modification of individual microtubules in vivo, which may endow them with different physical or functional properties.

Variations in the distribution and migration of centriole duplexes in mitotic PtK2 cells studied by immunofluorescence microscopy

1980 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 177-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.E. Aubin ◽  
M. Osborn ◽  
K. Weber
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Membrane ◽  
Immunofluorescence Microscopy ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubule ◽  
Migration Patterns ◽  
Large Variability ◽  
Membrane Breakdown ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Tubulin Antibodies ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubules ◽  
And Migration

The localization and migration of centriole duplexes have been studied in PtK2 cells by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using specific tubulin antibodies. The study demonstrated the usefulness of the immunofluorescence technique to quantitate studies of centriole migration and concomitant events such as cytoplasmic microtubule breakdown in large populations of cells. Centriole duplex locations in normal and Colcemid-treated interphase populations have been compared with duplex locations in prophase cells. A higher percentage of duplexes were found close to the nucleus in prophase than in interphase cells, but approximately 5% of the duplexes remained in the cytoplasm far removed from the nucleus in prophase and throughout the course of duplex separation. Duplex separation occurred along a wide variety of paths and duplexes did not have to be closely juxtaposed to the nuclear envelope for separation to occur. Some duplexes separated in the cytoplasm with no detectable nuclear attachment, with spindles forming far to the side of the condensing chromosomes. The timing of duplex separation did not always coincide either with chromosome condensation or with nuclear membrane breakdown, and in a small percentage of the cells separation occurred as late as prometaphase. These data suggest that normal spindle formation can occur despite the large variability in initial and final centriole duplex location, their migration patterns, and the timing of the different events. Breakdown of cytoplasmic microtubules began in prophase and progressed until prometaphase; the last cytoplasmic microtubules disappeared soon after the loss of the nuclear membrane.

Identification of a 102 kDa protein (cytocentrin) immunologically related to keratin 19, which is a cytoplasmically derived component of the mitotic spindle pole

1993 ◽  
Vol 106 (3) ◽  
pp. 967-981 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.C. Paul ◽  
A. Quaroni
Keyword(s):  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Early Prophase ◽  
Mitotic Apparatus ◽  
Nuclear Envelope Breakdown ◽  
Keratin 19 ◽  
Pericentriolar Material ◽  
Late Telophase ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubules ◽  
Cycle Dependent

The mAb RK7, previously shown to recognize keratin 19, was also found to cross-react with a biologically unrelated 102 kDa protein, which becomes associated with the poles of the mitotic apparatus. This newly identified protein, called cytocentrin, is a stable cellular component, may be at least in part phosphorylated, and displays a cell cycle-dependent cellular localization. In interphase cells, it is diffusely distributed in the cytosol and shows no affinity for cytoplasmic microtubules. It becomes localized to the centrosome in early prophase, prior to nuclear envelope breakdown, separation of replicated centrosomes, and nucleation of mitotic apparatus microtubules. During metaphase, cytocentrin is located predominately at the mitotic poles, often appearing as an aggregate of small globular sub-components; it also associates with some polar microtubules. In late anaphase/early telophase cytocentrin dissociates entirely from the mitotic apparatus and becomes temporarily localized with microtubules in the midbody, from which it disappears by late telophase. In taxol-treated cells cytocentrin was associated with the center of the miniasters but also showed affinity for some cytoplasmic microtubules. Studies employing G2-synchronized cells and nocodazole demonstrated that cytocentrin can become associated with mitotic centrosomes independently of tubulin polymerization and that microtubules regrow from antigen-containing foci. We interpret these results to suggest that cytocentrin is a cytoplasmic protein that becomes specifically activated or modified at the onset of mitosis so that it can affiliate with the mitotic poles where it may provide a link between the pericentriolar material and other components of the mitotic apparatus.

The role of microtubules in chick blastoderm expansion—a quantitative study using colchicine

Development ◽  
1975 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 265-277
Author(s):  
J. R. Downie
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Cell Shape ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Cell Sheet ◽  
Cell Movement ◽  
Vitelline Membrane ◽  
General Context ◽  
Chick Blastoderm ◽  
Cell Shape Change ◽  
Cytoplasmic Microtubules

Since their discovery, cytoplasmic microtubules have been much studied in the context of cell movement and cell shape change. Much of the work has used drugs, particularly colchicine and its relatives, which break down microtubules — the so-called anti-tubulins. Colchicine inhibits the orientated movements of many cell types in vitro, and disrupts cell shape change in several morphogenetic situations. The investigation reported here used chick blastoderm expansion in New culture in an attempt to quantify the colchicine effect on orientated cell movement. However, although colchicine could halt blastoderm expansion entirely, a simple interpretation was not possible. (1) Colchicine at concentrations capable of blocking mitosis, and of disrupting all or most of the cytoplasmic microtubules of the cells studied, inhibited blastoderm expansion, often resulting in an overall retraction of the cell sheet. (2) Though blastoderm expansion does normally involve considerable cell proliferation, the colchicine effect could not be ascribed to a block on cell division since aminopterin, which stops cell division without affecting microtubules, did not inhibit expansion. (3) Blastoderm expansion is effected by the locomotion of a specialized band of edge cells at the blastoderm periphery. These are the only cells normally attached to the vitelline membrane — the substrate for expansion. When most of the blastoderm was excised, leaving the band of edge cells, and the cultures then treated with colchicine, expansion occurred normally. The colchicine effect on blastoderm expansion could not therefore be ascribed to a direct effect on the edge cells. (4) An alternative site of action of the drug is the remaining cells of the blastoderm. These normally become progressively flatter as expansion proceeds. If flattening in these cells is even partially dependent on their cytoplasmic microtubules, disruption of these microtubules might result in the inherent contractility of the cells resisting and eventually halting edge cell migration. That cell shape in these cells is dependent on microtubules was demonstrated by treating flat blastoderm fragments with colchicine. On incubation, the area occupied by these fragments decreased by 25–30 % more than controls. The significance of these results in the general context of orientated cell movements and cell shape determination is discussed, with particular emphasis on the analogous system of Fundulus epiboly.

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