scholarly journals Translocation of RNA-coated gold particles through the nuclear pores of oocytes.

1988 ◽  
Vol 106 (3) ◽  
pp. 575-584 ◽  
Author(s):  
S I Dworetzky ◽  
C M Feldherr
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Xenopus Oocytes ◽  
Particle Distribution ◽  
Polyglutamic Acid ◽  
5S Rna ◽  
Nuclear Pores ◽  
Gold Particles ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Tracer Particles ◽  
Nuclear Injection

In the present study, various sized gold particles coated with tRNA, 5S RNA, or poly(A) were used to localize and characterize the pathways for RNA translocation to the cytoplasm. RNA-coated gold particles were microinjected into the nucleus of Xenopus oocytes. The cells were fixed after 15, 60 min, or 6 h, and the particle distribution was later observed by electron microscopy. Similar results were obtained with all classes of RNA used. After nuclear injection, particles ranging from 20-230 A in diameter were observed within central channels of the nuclear pores and in the cytoplasm immediately adjacent to the pores. Particles of this size would not be expected to diffuse through the pores, suggesting that some form of mediated transport occurred. In addition, it was found that the translocation process is saturable. At least 97% of the pores analyzed appeared to be involved in the translocation process. Gold coated with nonphysiological polynucleotides (poly[I] or poly[dA]) were also translocated. When nuclei were injected with either BSA-, ovalbumin-, polyglutamic acid-, or PVP-coated gold, the particles were essentially excluded from the pores. These results indicate that the accumulation of RNA-gold within the pores and adjacent cytoplasm was not due to non-specific effects. We conclude that the translocation sites for gold particles coated with different classes of RNA are located in the centers of the nuclear pores and that particles at least 230 A in diameter can cross the envelope. Tracer particles injected into the cytoplasm were observed within the nuclear pores in areas near the site of injection. However, only a small percentage of the particles actually entered the nucleus. It was also determined, by performing double injection experiments, that individual pores are bifunctional, that is, capable of transporting both proteins and RNA.

scholarly journals The effects of variations in the number and sequence of targeting signals on nuclear uptake.

1988 ◽  
Vol 107 (4) ◽  
pp. 1279-1287 ◽  
Author(s):  
S I Dworetzky ◽  
R E Lanford ◽  
C M Feldherr
Keyword(s):  
Xenopus Oocytes ◽  
T Antigen ◽  
Large T Antigen ◽  
Nuclear Targeting ◽  
Nuclear Pores ◽  
Peptide Conjugates ◽  
Coating Agent ◽  
Gold Particles ◽  
Targeting Signals ◽  
Relative Uptake

To determine if the number of targeting signals affects the transport of proteins into the nucleus, Xenopus oocytes were injected with colloidal gold particles, ranging in diameter from 20 to 280 A, that were coated with BSA cross-linked with synthetic peptides containing the SV-40 large T-antigen nuclear transport signal. Three BSA conjugate preparations were used; they had an average of 5, 8, and 11 signals per molecule of carrier protein. In addition, large T-antigen, which contains one signal per monomer, was used as a coating agent. The cells were fixed at various times after injection and subsequently analyzed by electron microscopy. Gold particles coated with proteins containing the SV-40 signal entered the nucleus through central channels located within the nuclear pores. Analysis of the intracellular distribution and size of the tracers that entered the nucleus indicated that the number of signals per molecule affect both the relative uptake of particles and the functional size of the channels available for translocation. In control experiments, gold particles coated with BSA or BSA conjugated with inactive peptides similar to the SV-40 transport signal were virtually excluded from the nucleus. Gold particles coated with nucleoplasmin, an endogenous karyophilic protein that contains five targeting signals per molecule, was transported through the nuclear pores more effectively than any of the BSA-peptide conjugates. Based on a correlation between the peri-envelope density of gold particles and their relative uptake, it is suggested that the differences in the activity of the two targeting signals is related to their binding affinity for envelope receptors. It was also determined, by performing coinjection experiments, that individual pores are capable of recognizing and transporting proteins that contain different nuclear targeting signals.

scholarly journals Movement of a karyophilic protein through the nuclear pores of oocytes.

1984 ◽  
Vol 99 (6) ◽  
pp. 2216-2222 ◽  
Author(s):  
C M Feldherr ◽  
E Kallenbach ◽  
N Schultz
Keyword(s):  
Colloidal Gold ◽  
Xenopus Oocytes ◽  
Intracellular Localization ◽  
Molecular Size ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Size Distributions ◽  
Nuclear Pores ◽  
Experimental Procedure ◽  
Gold Particles ◽  
Coated Particles

It has recently been shown that large karyophilic proteins are transported across the nuclear envelope in amphibian oocytes. In consideration of this, the present experiments were performed to identify the specific sites within the envelope through which transport occurs and determine if molecular size is a limiting factor in the transport process. The following experimental procedure was employed: Colloidal gold particles, varying in size from approximately 20 to 170 A in diameter were coated with nucleoplasmin, a 165,000-mol-wt karyophilic protein, which is known to be transported through the envelope. The coated gold particles were microinjected into the cytoplasm of Xenopus oocytes, and the cells were fixed 15 min and 1 h later. The intracellular localization of the gold was then determined with the electron microscope. It was found that nucleoplasmin-coated particles readily enter the nucleus. On the basis of the distribution of the particles associated with the envelope, we concluded that transport occurs through the nuclear pores. Furthermore, the size distributions of the gold particles present in the nucleus and cytoplasm were not significantly different, indicating that the envelope does not discriminate among particles with diameters ranging from 50 to 200 A (the dimensions including the nucleoplasmin coat). Colloidal gold coated with trypsin-digested nucleoplasmin (which lacks the polypeptide domain required for transport) or exogenous polyvinylpyrrolidone were largely excluded from the nucleus and showed no evidence of transport.

Ultrastructural analysis of the spatial distribution of MRNA

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 552-553
Author(s):  
Gary Bassell ◽  
Robert H. Singer
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
In Situ Hybridization ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Nucleic Acids ◽  
Colloidal Gold ◽  
Dna Probe ◽  
Nucleotide Analogs ◽  
Gold Particles

We have been investigating the spatial distribution of nucleic acids intracellularly using in situ hybridization. The use of non-isotopic nucleotide analogs incorporated into the DNA probe allows the detection of the probe at its site of hybridization within the cell. This approach therefore is compatible with the high resolution available by electron microscopy. Biotinated or digoxigenated probe can be detected by antibodies conjugated to colloidal gold. Because mRNA serves as a template for the probe fragments, the colloidal gold particles are detected as arrays which allow it to be unequivocally distinguished from background.

Specificity of Lectins Labeled with Colloidal Gold to the Exopolymeric Matrix Carbohydrates of the Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Biofilm Formed on Steel

2020 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 11-20
Author(s):  
D.R. Abdulina ◽  
◽  
L.M. Purish ◽  
G.O. Iutynska ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Colloidal Gold ◽  
Steel Surface ◽  
Lectin Binding ◽  
Sulfate Reducing Bacteria ◽  
Gold Particles ◽  
Sulfate Reducing ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Reducing Bacteria

The studies of the carbohydrate composition of the sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) biofilms formed on the steel surface, which are a factor of microbial corrosion, are significant. Since exopolymers synthesized by bacteria could activate corrosive processes. The aim of the study was to investigate the specificity of commercial lectins, labeled with colloidal gold to carbohydrates in the biofilm exopolymeric matrix produced by the corrosive-relevant SRB strains from man-caused ecotopes. Methods. Microbiological methods (obtaining of the SRB biofilms during cultivation in liquid Postgate B media under microaerophilic conditions), biochemical methods (lectin-binding analysis of 10 commercial lectins, labeled with colloidal gold), transmission electron microscopy using JEM-1400 JEOL. Results. It was shown using transmission electron microscopy that the binding of lectins with carbohydrates in the biofilm of the studied SRB strains occurred directly in the exopolymerіс matrix, as well as on the surfaces of bacterial cells, as seen by the presence of colloidal gold particles. For detection of the neutral carbohydrates (D-glucose and D-mannose) in the biofilm of almost all studied bacterial strains PSA lectin was the most specific. This lectin binding in biofilms of Desulfotomaculum sp. К1/3 and Desulfovibrio sp. 10 strains was higher in 90.8% and 94.4%, respectively, then for ConA lectin. The presence of fucose in the SRB biofilms was detected using LABA lectin, that showed specificity to the biofilm EPS of all the studied strains. LBA lectin was the most specific to N-аcetyl-D-galactosamine for determination of amino sugars in the biofilm. The amount of this lectin binding in D. vulgaris DSM644 biofilm was 30.3, 10.1 and 9.3 times higher than SBA, SNA and PNA lectins, respectively. STA, LVA and WGA lectins were used to detect the N-acetyl-Dglucosamine and sialic acid in the biofilm. WGA lectin showed specificity to N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in the biofilm of all the studied SRB; maximum number of bounded colloidal gold particles (175 particles/μm2) was found in the Desulfotomaculum sp. TC3 biofilm. STA lectin was interacted most actively with N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in Desulfotomaculum sp. TC3 and Desulfomicrobium sp. TC4 biofilms. The number of bounded colloidal gold particles was in 9.2 and 7.4 times higher, respectively, than using LVA lectin. The lowest binding of colloidal gold particles was observed for LVA lectin. Conclusions. It was identified the individual specificity of the 10 commercial lectins to the carbohydrates of biofilm matrix on the steel surface, produced by SRB. It was estimated that lectins with identical carbohydrates specificity had variation in binding to the biofilm carbohydrates of different SRB strains. Establishing of the lectin range selected for each culture lead to the reduction of the scope of studies and labor time in the researching of the peculiarities of exopolymeric matrix composition of biofilms formed by corrosiverelevant SRB.

Colloidal gold particles as a new in vivo marker of early acute lung injury

2004 ◽  
Vol 287 (4) ◽  
pp. L867-L878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Heckel ◽  
Rainer Kiefmann ◽  
Martina Dörger ◽  
Mechthild Stoeckelhuber ◽  
Alwin E. Goetz
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Acute Lung Injury ◽  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Lung Injury ◽  
Colloidal Gold ◽  
Microvascular Permeability ◽  
Arterial Oxygen ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gold Particles

Permeability of the endothelial barrier to large molecules plays a pivotal role in the manifestation of early acute lung injury. We present a novel and sensitive technique that brings microanatomical visualization and quantification of microvascular permeability in line. White New Zealand rabbits were anesthetized and ventilated mechanically. Rabbit serum albumin (RSA) was labeled with colloidal gold particles. We quantified macromolecular leakage of gold-labeled RSA and thickening of the gas exchange distance by electron microscopy, taking into account morphology of microvessels. The control group receiving a saline solution represented a normal gas exchange barrier without extravasation of gold-labeled albumin. Infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in a significant displacement of gold-labeled albumin into pulmonary cells, the lung interstitium, and even the alveolar space. Correspondingly, intravital fluorescence microscopy and digital image analysis indicated thickening of width of alveolar septa. The findings were accompanied by a deterioration of alveolo-arterial oxygen difference, whereas wet/dry ratio and albumin concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid failed to detect that early stage of pulmonary edema. Inhibition of the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase by 3-aminobenzamide prevented LPS-induced microvascular injury. To summarize: colloidal gold particles visualized by standard electron microscopy are a new and very sensitive in vivo marker of microvascular permeability in early acute lung injury. This technique enabling detailed microanatomical and quantitative pathophysiological characterization of edema formation can form the basis for evaluating novel treatment strategies against acute lung injury.

scholarly journals Preparation of Protein a Gold

1997 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 12-13
Author(s):  
Paul Webster
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Biological Activity ◽  
Colloidal Gold ◽  
Protein A ◽  
List Type ◽  
Type Number ◽  
Stained Glass ◽  
Small Particles ◽  
Silver Enhancement ◽  
Gold Particles

Colloidal gold has been used for centuries in the preparation of stained glass for windows and fine glassware. In recent years, colloidal gold particles have become a useful tool in microscopy for staining tissues and sections. Colloidal gold particles are especially useful for biological electron microscopy, Some of the reasons why are listed below.*Homogeneous preparations of particles varying in size from 3μm to 20μm can be easily prepared.*Colloidal gold suspensions are inexpensive to prepare. Most proteins can be easily coupled to colloidal gold particles.*Most proteins can be easily coupled to colloidal gold particles.*Proteins coupled to gold particles do not appear to lose their biological activity.*The colloidal gold particles can be easily seen in the electron microscope.*Colloidal gold does not naturally occur in biological material. Therefore, if you see it, it is because you put it there.*Colloidal gold probes can be used for light microscopy, The larger gold particles can be directly observed by the light microscope. Small particles are detected by silver enhancement or epipolarized illumination.*The same probes can be used for both LM and TEM imrnunocytochemistry.

Further observations on nucleolar tails in amphibian oocytes

1991 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. 515-521
Author(s):  
PEDRO LEÓN ◽  
JAMES KEZER ◽  
ERIC SCHABTACH
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Nuclear Membrane ◽  
Outer Surface ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Nuclear Pores ◽  
Core Component ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Attachment Structures ◽  
Convoluted Tubules

Large oocytes from some amphibian species possess beaded or unbeaded intranuclear tails that penetrate the extrachromosomal nucleoli through a distinct pit in their surface and attach to the central core component Here we show, using light and electron microscopy, that tails anchor nucleoli to the nuclear envelope through intricate attachment structures. These structures are composed of interconnected spherical masses containing highly convoluted tubules and associated extratubular proteins, directly directly in contact with the inner nuclear membrane. Fibers emerging from the nuclear pores seemingly hold the attachment complex in place. Beads on the nucleolar tails are formed by the accumulation of proteins on the outer surface of smooth tubules. The function of these intranuclear tubules is unknown

Species-specific difference in distribution of voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels of cardiac myocytes

2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (6) ◽  
pp. C1963-C1969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshiko Takagishi ◽  
Kenji Yasui ◽  
Nicholas J. Severs ◽  
Yoshiharu Murata
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Cardiac Myocytes ◽  
Immunogold Electron Microscopy ◽  
Surface Plasma ◽  
Gold Particles ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Rat Myocytes ◽  
T Tubules ◽  
Species Specific

Ca2+influx via sarcolemmal voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (L-type Ca2+ channels) is the fundamental step in excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling in cardiac myocytes. Physiological and pharmacological studies reveal species-specific differences in E-C coupling resulting from a difference in the contribution of Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release to activation of contraction. We investigated the distribution of L-type Ca2+ channels in isolated cardiac myocytes from rabbit and rat ventricle by correlative immunoconfocal and immunogold electron microscopy. Immunofluorescence labeling revealed discrete spots in the surface plasma membrane and transverse (T) tubules in rabbit myocytes. In rat myocytes, labeling appeared more intense in T tubules than in the surface sarcolemma. Immunogold electron microscopy extended these findings, showing that the number of gold particles in the surface plasma membrane was significantly higher in rabbit than rat myocytes. In rabbit myocyte plasma membrane, the gold particles were distributed as clusters in both regions that were associated with junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum and those that were not. The findings are consistent with the idea that influx of Ca2+ via surface sarcolemmal Ca2+ channels contributes to intracellular Ca2+ to a greater degree in rabbit than in rat myocytes.

scholarly journals Numbers and Organization of RNA Polymerases, Nascent Transcripts, and Transcription Units in HeLa Nuclei

1998 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1523-1536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean A. Jackson ◽  
Francisco J. Iborra ◽  
Erik M.M. Manders ◽  
Peter R. Cook
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transcription Unit ◽  
Rna Polymerases ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Gold Particles ◽  
Transcription Factory ◽  
Transcription Sites ◽  
A Site ◽  
Polymerase I ◽  
Nascent Transcripts

Using HeLa cells, we have developed methods to determine 1) the number of RNA polymerases that are active at any moment, 2) the number of transcription sites, and 3) the number of polymerases associated with one transcription unit. To count engaged polymerases, cells were encapsulated in agarose, permeabilized, treated with ribonuclease, and the now-truncated transcripts extended in [32P]uridine triphosphate; then, the number of growing transcripts was calculated from the total number of nucleotides incorporated and the average increment in length of the transcripts. Approximately 15,000 transcripts were elongated by polymerase I, and ∼75,000 were elongated by polymerases II and III. Transcription sites were detected after the cells were grown in bromouridine for <2.5 min, after which the resulting bromo-RNA was labeled with gold particles; electron microscopy showed that most extranucleolar transcripts were concentrated in ∼2400 sites with diameters of ∼80 nm. The number of polymerases associated with a transcription unit was counted after templates were spread over a large area; most extranucleolar units were associated with one elongating complex. These results suggest that many templates are attached in a “cloud” of loops around a site; each site, or transcription “factory,” would contain ∼30 active polymerases and associated transcripts.

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