scholarly journals Spermiogenesis in the acoel Symsagittifera roscoffensis: nucleus-plasma membrane contact sites and microtubules

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Hayes ◽  
Anne-C. Zakrzewski ◽  
Tim P. Levine ◽  
Maximilian J. Telford
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Intertidal Zone ◽  
Mature Spermatozoon ◽  
Sandy Beaches ◽  
Contact Site ◽  
Membrane Contact Sites ◽  
Contact Sites ◽  
Specific Contact ◽  
Membrane Contact

AbstractSymsagittifera roscoffensis is a small marine worm found in the intertidal zone of sandy beaches around the European shores of the Atlantic. S. roscoffensis is a member of the Acoelomorpha, a group of flatworms formerly classified with the Platyhelminthes, but now recognised as Xenacoelomorpha, a separate phylum of disputed affinity. We have used electron microscopy to examine the process of spermiogenesis (the final stage of spermatogenesis) in S. roscoffensis, by which spermatids form highly elongated spermatozoa. Their nuclei are long and thread-like, running most of the cell’s length and during the process a pair of flagella are fully incorporated into the cell body. Two previously undescribed inter-organelle contact sites form at different stages of spermiogenesis. Strikingly, there is an extensive nucleus-plasma membrane contact site. Golgi-derived granules containing electron-dense filaments line up along the spermatid plasma membrane, undergo a conformational change, and donate material that forms a peri-nuclear layer that cements this contact site. We also show in earlier stage spermatids that the same granules are associated with microtubules, presumably for traffic along the elongating cell. We identify a second spermiogenesis-specific contact site where sheaths engulfing each internalising flagellum contact the nuclear envelope. Finally, detailed studies of the spermatozoon axonemes show that the central keel has varying numbers of microtubules along the length of the cell, and is likely to be a centriole derivative.Summary sentenceDuring spermiogenesis in the acoel flatworm Symsagittifera roscoffensis, two previously unidentified contact sites contribute to the structure of the mature spermatozoon and the axonemal structures show direct continuity between doublet and dense core microtubules.

scholarly journals Nucleus–Plasma Membrane Contact Sites Are Formed During Spermiogenesis in the Acoel Symsagittifera roscoffensis

Contact ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 251525642092635
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Hayes ◽  
Anne-C. Zakrzewski ◽  
Timothy P. Levine ◽  
Maximilian J. Telford
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Final Stage ◽  
Intertidal Zone ◽  
Sandy Beaches ◽  
Contact Site ◽  
Membrane Contact Sites ◽  
Contact Sites ◽  
Specific Contact ◽  
Membrane Contact

Symsagittifera roscoffensis is a small marine worm found in the intertidal zone of sandy beaches around the European shores of the Atlantic. S. roscoffensis is a member of the Acoelomorpha, a group of flatworms formerly classified with the Platyhelminthes, but now recognized as Xenacoelomorpha, a separate phylum of disputed affinity. We have used electron microscopy to examine the process of spermiogenesis (the final stage of spermatogenesis) in S. roscoffensis, by which spermatids form highly elongated spermatozoa. Their nuclei are long and thread-like, running most of the cell’s length, and during the process, a pair of flagella are fully incorporated into the cell body. Two previously undescribed interorganelle contact sites form at different stages of spermiogenesis. Strikingly, there is an extensive nucleus–plasma membrane contact site. Golgi-derived granules containing electron-dense filaments line up along the spermatid plasma membrane, undergo a conformational change, and donate material that forms a perinuclear layer that cements this contact site. We also show in spermatids at an earlier stage that the same granules are associated with microtubules, presumably for traffic along the elongating cell. We identify a second spermiogenesis-specific contact site where sheaths engulfing each internalizing flagellum contact the nuclear envelope.

scholarly journals Synaptotagmins at the endoplasmic reticulum–plasma membrane contact sites maintain diacylglycerol homeostasis during abiotic stress

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noemi Ruiz-Lopez ◽  
Jessica Pérez-Sancho ◽  
Alicia Esteban del Valle ◽  
Richard P Haslam ◽  
Steffen Vanneste ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Abiotic Stress ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Mechanical Damage ◽  
Membrane Contact Sites ◽  
Contact Sites ◽  
Membrane Contact ◽  
Green Fluorescent

Abstract Endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane contact sites (ER-PM CS) play fundamental roles in all eukaryotic cells. Arabidopsis thaliana mutants lacking the ER-PM protein tether synaptotagmin1 (SYT1) exhibit decreased plasma membrane (PM) integrity under multiple abiotic stresses such as freezing, high salt, osmotic stress and mechanical damage. Here, we show that, together with SYT1, the stress-induced SYT3 is an ER-PM tether that also functions in maintaining PM integrity. The ER-PM CS localization of SYT1 and SYT3 is dependent on PM phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate and is regulated by abiotic stress. Lipidomic analysis revealed that cold stress increased the accumulation of diacylglycerol at the PM in a syt1/3 double mutant relative to wild type while the levels of most glycerolipid species remain unchanged. Additionally, the SYT1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion preferentially binds diacylglycerol in vivo with little affinity for polar glycerolipids. Our work uncovers a SYT-dependent mechanism of stress adaptation counteracting the detrimental accumulation of diacylglycerol at the PM produced during episodes of abiotic stress.

scholarly journals Ultrastructural Characterization of Flashing Mitochondria

Contact ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 251525641880142
Author(s):  
Manon Rosselin ◽  
Paula Nunes-Hasler ◽  
Nicolas Demaurex
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Volume Ratio ◽  
Tubular Structures ◽  
Membrane Contact Sites ◽  
Contact Sites ◽  
Membrane Contact

Mitochondria undergo spontaneous transient elevations in matrix pH associated with drops in mitochondrial membrane potential. These mitopHlashes require a functional respiratory chain and the profusion protein optic atrophy 1, but their mechanistic basis is unclear. To gain insight on the origin of these dynamic events, we resolved the ultrastructure of flashing mitochondria by correlative light and electron microscopy. HeLa cells expressing the matrix-targeted pH probe mitoSypHer were screened for mitopHlashes and fixed immediately after the occurrence of a flashing event. The cells were then processed for imaging by serial block face scanning electron microscopy using a focused ion beam to generate ∼1,200 slices of 10 nm thickness from a 28 µm × 15 µm cellular volume. Correlation of live/fixed fluorescence and electron microscopy images allowed the unambiguous identification of flashing and nonflashing mitochondria. Three-dimensional reconstruction and surface mapping revealed that each tomogram contained two flashing mitochondria of unequal sizes, one being much larger than the average mitochondrial volume. Flashing mitochondria were 10-fold larger than silent mitochondria but with a surface to volume ratio and a cristae volume similar to nonflashing mitochondria. Flashing mitochondria were connected by tubular structures, formed more membrane contact sites, and a constriction was observed at a junction between a flashing mitochondrion and a nonflashing mitochondrion. These data indicate that flashing mitochondria are structurally preserved and bioenergetically competent but form numerous membrane contact sites and are connected by tubular structures, consistent with our earlier suggestion that mitopHlashes might be triggered by the opening of fusion pores between contiguous mitochondria.

scholarly journals Kv2 potassium channels form endoplasmic reticulum/plasma membrane junctions via interaction with VAPA and VAPB

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (31) ◽  
pp. E7331-E7340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Johnson ◽  
Ashley N. Leek ◽  
Laura Solé ◽  
Emily E. Maverick ◽  
Tim P. Levine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Membrane Trafficking ◽  
Neuronal Cultures ◽  
Physical Relationship ◽  
Membrane Contact Sites ◽  
Contact Sites ◽  
Hek Cells ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Membrane Contact

Kv2.1 exhibits two distinct forms of localization patterns on the neuronal plasma membrane: One population is freely diffusive and regulates electrical activity via voltage-dependent K+ conductance while a second one localizes to micrometer-sized clusters that contain densely packed, but nonconducting, channels. We have previously established that these clusters represent endoplasmic reticulum/plasma membrane (ER/PM) junctions that function as membrane trafficking hubs and that Kv2.1 plays a structural role in forming these membrane contact sites in both primary neuronal cultures and transfected HEK cells. Clustering and the formation of ER/PM contacts are regulated by phosphorylation within the channel C terminus, offering cells fast, dynamic control over the physical relationship between the cortical ER and PM. The present study addresses the mechanisms by which Kv2.1 and the related Kv2.2 channel interact with the ER membrane. Using proximity-based biotinylation techniques in transfected HEK cells we identified ER VAMP-associated proteins (VAPs) as potential Kv2.1 interactors. Confirmation that Kv2.1 and -2.2 bind VAPA and VAPB employed colocalization/redistribution, siRNA knockdown, and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based assays. CD4 chimeras containing sequence from the Kv2.1 C terminus were used to identify a noncanonical VAP-binding motif. VAPs were first identified as proteins required for neurotransmitter release in Aplysia and are now known to be abundant scaffolding proteins involved in membrane contact site formation throughout the ER. The VAP interactome includes AKAPs, kinases, membrane trafficking machinery, and proteins regulating nonvesicular lipid transport from the ER to the PM. Therefore, the Kv2-induced VAP concentration at ER/PM contact sites is predicted to have wide-ranging effects on neuronal cell biology.

scholarly journals Synaptotagmin-Associated Endoplasmic Reticulum-Plasma Membrane Contact Sites Are Localized to Immobile ER Tubules

2018 ◽  
Vol 178 (2) ◽  
pp. 641-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuya Ishikawa ◽  
Kentaro Tamura ◽  
Haruko Ueda ◽  
Yoko Ito ◽  
Akihiko Nakano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Membrane Contact Sites ◽  
Contact Sites ◽  
Membrane Contact

Mitochondria–organelle contact sites: the plot thickens

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 477-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yael Elbaz-Alon
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Cellular Metabolism ◽  
Close Apposition ◽  
Membrane Contact Sites ◽  
Contact Sites ◽  
Membrane Contact ◽  
Cellular Organelles

Membrane contact sites (MCSs) are areas of close apposition between the membranes of two different organelles that enable non-vesicular transfer of ions and lipids. Recent studies reveal that mitochondria maintain contact sites with organelles other than the endoplasmic reticulum such as the vacuole, plasma membrane and peroxisomes. This review focuses on novel findings achieved mainly in yeast regarding tethers, function and regulation of mitochondria–organelle contact sites. The emerging network of MCSs linking virtually all cellular organelles is highly dynamic and integrated with cellular metabolism.

scholarly journals Synaptotagmins Maintain Diacylglycerol Homeostasis at Endoplasmic Reticulum-Plasma Membrane Contact Sites during Abiotic Stress

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noemi Ruiz-Lopez ◽  
Jessica Pérez-Sancho ◽  
Alicia Esteban del Valle ◽  
Richard P. Haslam ◽  
Steffen Vanneste ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Abiotic Stress ◽  
Mechanical Damage ◽  
Membrane Contact Sites ◽  
Contact Sites ◽  
Membrane Contact ◽  
Phosphatidylinositol 4 ◽  
Polar Glycerolipids

SUMMARYEndoplasmic Reticulum-Plasma Membrane contact sites (ER-PM CS) play fundamental roles in all eukaryotic cells. Arabidopsis mutants lacking the ER-PM protein tether synaptotagmin1 (SYT1) exhibit decreased plasma membrane (PM) integrity under multiple abiotic stresses such as freezing, high salt, osmotic stress and mechanical damage. Here, we show that, together with SYT1, the stress-induced SYT3 is an ER-PM tether that also functions in maintaining PM integrity. The ER-PM CS localization of SYT1 and SYT3 is dependent on PM phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate and is regulated by abiotic stress. Lipidomic analysis revealed that cold stress increased the accumulation of diacylglycerol at the PM in a syt1/3 double mutant relative to WT while the levels of most glycerolipid species remain unchanged. Additionally, SYT1-GFP preferentially binds diacylglycerol in vivo with little affinity for polar glycerolipids. Our work uncovers a crucial SYT-dependent mechanism of stress adaptation counteracting the detrimental accumulation of diacylglycerol at the PM produced during episodes of abiotic stress.

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