scholarly journals Identification of microtubule-associated proteins in the meiotic spindle of surf clam oocytes.

1980 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
D B Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Surf Clam ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Cytoplasmic Proteins ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Meiotic Spindles

Meiotic spindles isolated from surf clam oocytes to morphological purity are biochemically complex, consisting of many polypeptides. These proteins fall into two classes: (a) polypeptides that are apparently cytoplasmic proteins and are not specifically associated with the spindle; and (b) polypeptides that are specifically associated with the spindle. A subset of the spindle-associated proteins, including a 250,000 mol wt component, remain with spindle tubulin through cycles of cold depolymerization and warm polymerization, showing that they are microtubule-associated proteins.

subito Encodes a Kinesin-like Protein Required for Meiotic Spindle Pole Formation in Drosophila melanogaster

Genetics ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 160 (4) ◽  
pp. 1489-1501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly L Giunta ◽  
Janet K Jang ◽  
Elizabeth A Manheim ◽  
Gayathri Subramanian ◽  
Kim S McKim
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Microtubule Organizing Center ◽  
Bipolar Spindle ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Organizing Center ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Similar Phenotype ◽  
Meiosis I

Abstract The female meiotic spindle lacks a centrosome or microtubule-organizing center in many organisms. During cell division, these spindles are organized by the chromosomes and microtubule-associated proteins. Previous studies in Drosophila melanogaster implicated at least one kinesin motor protein, NCD, in tapering the microtubules into a bipolar spindle. We have identified a second Drosophila kinesin-like protein, SUB, that is required for meiotic spindle function. At meiosis I in males and females, sub mutations affect only the segregation of homologous chromosomes. In female meiosis, sub mutations have a similar phenotype to ncd; even though chromosomes are joined by chiasmata they fail to segregate at meiosis I. Cytological analyses have revealed that sub is required for bipolar spindle formation. In sub mutations, we observed spindles that were unipolar, multipolar, or frayed with no defined poles. On the basis of these phenotypes and the observation that sub mutations genetically interact with ncd, we propose that SUB is one member of a group of microtubule-associated proteins required for bipolar spindle assembly in the absence of the centrosomes. sub is also required for the early embryonic divisions but is otherwise dispensable for most mitotic divisions.

scholarly journals Purification and characterization of oocyte cytoplasmic tubulin and meiotic spindle tubulin of the surf clam Spisula solidissima.

1984 ◽  
Vol 98 (1) ◽  
pp. 253-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
K A Suprenant ◽  
L I Rebhun
Keyword(s):  
Peptide Mapping ◽  
Critical Concentration ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Spisula Solidissima ◽  
Surf Clam ◽  
Alpha Tubulin ◽  
One Dimensional ◽  
Unfertilized Oocyte ◽  
Meiotic Spindles

Assembly-competent tubulin was purified from the cytoplasm of unfertilized and parthogenetically activated oocytes, and from isolated meiotic spindles of the surf clam, Spisula solidissima. At 22 degrees C or 37 degrees C, Spisula tubulin assembled into 48-51-nm macrotubules during the first cycle of polymerization and 25-nm microtubules during the third and subsequent cycles of assembly. Macrotubules were formed from sheets of 26-27 protofilaments helically arranged at a 36 degree angle relative to the long axis of the polymer and were composed of alpha and beta tubulins and several other proteins ranging in molecular weight from 30,000 to 270,000. Third cycle microtubules contained 14-15 protofilaments in cross-section and were composed of greater than 95% alpha and beta tubulins. After three cycles of polymerization at 37 degrees C, unfertilized and activated oocyte tubulin self-assembled into microtubules at a critical concentration (Ccr) of 0.09 mg/ml. At the physiological temperature of 22 degrees C, unfertilized oocyte tubulin assembled into microtubules at a Ccr of 0.36 mg/ml, activated oocyte tubulin assembled at a Ccr of 0.42 mg/ml, and isolated meiotic spindle tubulin assembled at a Ccr of 0.33 mg/ml. The isoelectric points of tubulin from both unfertilized oocytes and isolated meiotic spindles were 5.8 for alpha tubulin and 5.6 for beta tubulin. In addition, one dimensional peptide maps of oocyte and spindle alpha and beta tubulins were very similar, if not identical. These results indicate that unfertilized oocyte tubulin and tubulin isolated from the first meiotic spindle are indistinguishable on the basis of assembly properties, isoelectric focusing, and one dimensional peptide mapping. These results suggest that the transition of tubulin from the quiescent oocyte state to that competent to form spindle microtubules in vivo does not require special modification of tubulin but may involve changes in the availability of microtubule organizing centers or assembly-promoting microtubule-associated proteins.

Association of p34cdc2/cyclin B complex with microtubules in starfish oocytes

1993 ◽  
Vol 105 (4) ◽  
pp. 873-881 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Ookata ◽  
S. Hisanaga ◽  
E. Okumura ◽  
T. Kishimoto
Keyword(s):  
Complex Form ◽  
Cyclin B ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Inactive Form ◽  
Microtubular Cytoskeleton ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Meiotic Spindles ◽  
Microtubule Networks ◽  
Brain Microtubules

The microtubular cytoskeleton exhibits a dramatic reorganization, progressing from interphase radial arrays to a mitotic spindle at the G2/M transition. Although this reorganization has been suspected to be caused by maturation promoting factor (MPF: p34cdc2/cyclin B complex), little is known about how p34cdc2 kinase controls microtubule networks. We provide evidence of the direct association of the p34cdc2/cyclin B complex with microtubules in starfish oocytes. Anti-cyclin B staining of detergent-treated oocytes, isolated asters and meiotic spindles revealed fluorescence associated with microtubule fibers, chromosomes and centrosomes. Microtubules prepared from starfish oocytes were associated with cyclin B and p34cdc2 proteins. Microtubule-bound p34cdc2 and cyclin B were released from microtubules by a high-salt solution and possessed a complex form as shown by the adsorption to suc1-beads and by immunoprecipitation with the anti-cyclin B antibody. The p34cdc2/cyclin B complex associated to microtubules had high histone H1 kinase activity at meiotic metaphase. However, it was not necessary for the p34cdc2/cyclin B complex to be active for microtubule binding, as an inactive form in immature oocytes was also observed to bind to microtubules. The coprecipitation of suc1-column purified p34cdc2/cyclin B with purified porcine brain microtubules in the presence of starfish oocyte microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) indicates that the association of p34cdc2/cyclin B with microtubules in vitro is mediated by MAPs.

scholarly journals PAR-1 and the microtubule-associated proteins CLASP2 and dynactin-p50 have specific localisation on mouse meiotic and first mitotic spindles

Reproduction ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 130 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine A Moore ◽  
Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
Keyword(s):  
Polar Body ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Regulatory Proteins ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Mouse Oocytes ◽  
Polar Bodies ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Second Polar Body

The site of second meiotic division, marked by the second polar body, is an important reference point in the early mouse embryo. To study its formation, we look at the highly asymmetric meiotic divisions. For extrusion of the small polar bodies during meiosis, the spindles must be located cortically. The positioning of meiotic spindles is known to involve the actin cytoskeleton, but whether microtubules are also involved is not clear. In this study we investigated the patterns of localisation of microtubule regulatory proteins in mouse oocytes. PAR-1 is a member of the PAR (partitioning-defective) family with known roles in regulation of microtubule stability and spindle positioning in other model systems. Here we show its specific localisation on mouse meiotic and first mitotic spindles. In addition, the microtubule-associated proteins CLASP2 (a CLIP associating protein) and dynactin-p50 are found on kinetochores and a subset of microtubule-organising centres. Thus we show specific localisation of microtubule regulatory proteins in mouse oocytes, which could indicate roles in meiotic spindle organisation.

Characterization of microtubules by dark-field STEM and replication

1991 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 152-153
Author(s):  
S.B. Andrews ◽  
R.D. Leapman ◽  
P.E. Gallant ◽  
T.S. Reese
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Unit Length ◽  
Dark Field ◽  
Carbon Films ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
Protein Motors ◽  
Associated Proteins

As part of a study on protein interactions involved in microtubule (MT)-based transport, we used the VG HB501 field-emission STEM to obtain low-dose dark-field mass maps of isolated, taxol-stabilized MTs and correlated these micrographs with detailed stereo images from replicas of the same MTs. This approach promises to be useful for determining how protein motors interact with MTs. MTs prepared from bovine and squid brain tubulin were purified and free from microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). These MTs (0.1-1 mg/ml tubulin) were adsorbed to 3-nm evaporated carbon films supported over Formvar nets on 600-m copper grids. Following adsorption, the grids were washed twice in buffer and then in either distilled water or in isotonic or hypotonic ammonium acetate, blotted, and plunge-frozen in ethane/propane cryogen (ca. -185 C). After cryotransfer into the STEM, specimens were freeze-dried and recooled to ca.-160 C for low-dose (<3000 e/nm2) dark-field mapping. The molecular weights per unit length of MT were determined relative to tobacco mosaic virus standards from elastic scattering intensities. Parallel grids were freeze-dried and rotary shadowed with Pt/C at 14°.

Filaments and membranes in the mitotic apparatus

1983 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 544-547
Author(s):  
Kent McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Intermediate Filaments ◽  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Mitotic Apparatus ◽  
Light Microscope Level ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Force Generator ◽  
Spindle Function ◽  
Antibody Technology

At the light microscope level the recent developments and interest in antibody technology have permitted the localization of certain non-microtubule proteins within the mitotic spindle, e.g., calmodulin, actin, intermediate filaments, protein kinases and various microtubule associated proteins. Also, the use of fluorescent probes like chlorotetracycline suggest the presence of membranes in the spindle. Localization of non-microtubule structures in the spindle at the EM level has been less rewarding. Some mitosis researchers, e.g., Rarer, have maintained that actin is involved in mitosis movements though the bulk of evidence argues against this interpretation. Others suggest that a microtrabecular network such as found in chromatophore granule movement might be a possible force generator but there is little evidence for or against this view. At the level of regulation of spindle function, Harris and more recently Hepler have argued for the importance of studying spindle membranes. Hepler also believes that membranes might play a structural or mechanical role in moving chromosomes.

Analysis of the Mechanism of Microtubule Dynamic Instability Using a UV Microbeam to Sever Elongating Microtubules

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 122-123
Author(s):  
R.A Walker ◽  
S. Inoue ◽  
E.D. Salmon
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Instability ◽  
Microtubule Dynamic ◽  
Gtp Hydrolysis ◽  
Abrupt Transition ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Asymmetrical Structure ◽  
Associated Proteins

Microtubules polymerized in vitro from tubulin purified free of microtubule-associated proteins exhibit dynamic instability (1,2,3). Free microtubule ends exist in persistent phases of elongation or rapid shortening with infrequent, but, abrupt transitions between these phases. The abrupt transition from elongation to rapid shortening is termed catastrophe and the abrupt transition from rapid shortening to elongation is termed rescue. A microtubule is an asymmetrical structure. The plus end grows faster than the minus end. The frequency of catastrophe of the plus end is somewhat greater than the minus end, while the frequency of rescue of the plus end in much lower than for the minus end (4).The mechanism of catastrophe is controversial, but for both the plus and minus microtubule ends, catastrophe is thought to be dependent on GTP hydrolysis. Microtubule elongation occurs by the association of tubulin-GTP subunits to the growing end. Sometime after incorporation into an elongating microtubule end, the GTP is hydrolyzed to GDP, yielding a core of tubulin-GDP capped by tubulin-GTP (“GTP-cap”).

Molecular architecture and functions of the neuronal cytoskeleton

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 2-3
Author(s):  
Nobutaka Hirokawa
Keyword(s):  
Major Elements ◽  
Molecular Structures ◽  
Organelle Transport ◽  
Molecular Architecture ◽  
Neuronal Morphogenesis ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
And Function ◽  
Small Clusters

In this symposium I will present our studies about the molecular architecture and function of the cytomatrix of the nerve cells. The nerve cell is a highly polarized cell composed of highly branched dendrites, cell body, and a single long axon along the direction of the impulse propagation. Each part of the neuron takes characteristic shapes for which the cytoskeleton provides the framework. The neuronal cytoskeletons play important roles on neuronal morphogenesis, organelle transport and the synaptic transmission. In the axon neurofilaments (NF) form dense arrays, while microtubules (MT) are arranged as small clusters among the NFs. On the other hand, MTs are distributed uniformly, whereas NFs tend to run solitarily or form small fascicles in the dendrites Quick freeze deep etch electron microscopy revealed various kinds of strands among MTs, NFs and membranous organelles (MO). These structures form major elements of the cytomatrix in the neuron. To investigate molecular nature and function of these filaments first we studied molecular structures of microtubule associated proteins (MAP1A, MAP1B, MAP2, MAP2C and tau), and microtubules reconstituted from MAPs and tubulin in vitro. These MAPs were all fibrous molecules with different length and formed arm like projections from the microtubule surface.

Microtubule motors and other maps

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Richard B. Vallee
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
High Molecular Weight ◽  
Cytoplasmic Dynein ◽  
Organelle Transport ◽  
Structural Components ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Microtubule Motors ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Intracellular Motility

Microtubules are involved in a number of forms of intracellular motility, including mitosis and bidirectional organelle transport. Purified microtubules from brain and other sources contain tubulin and a diversity of microtubule associated proteins (MAPs). Some of the high molecular weight MAPs - MAP 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B - are long, fibrous molecules that serve as structural components of the cytamatrix. Three MAPs have recently been identified that show microtubule activated ATPase activity and produce force in association with microtubules. These proteins - kinesin, cytoplasmic dynein, and dynamin - are referred to as cytoplasmic motors. The latter two will be the subject of this talk.Cytoplasmic dynein was first identified as one of the high molecular weight brain MAPs, MAP 1C. It was determined to be structurally equivalent to ciliary and flagellar dynein, and to produce force toward the minus ends of microtubules, opposite to kinesin.

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