Abnormal microtubular systems in mouse spermatids associated with a mutant gene at the T-locus

Development ◽  
1974 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 749-761
Author(s):  
Gerald B. Dooher ◽  
Dorothea Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Small Proportion ◽  
Mutant Gene ◽  
The Other ◽  
Biochemical Characteristics ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Ordered Array ◽  
T Locus

Fine structural observations of spermiogenesis in sterile mice homozygous for the t -allele tw2 reveal that spermatids develop severe morphological abnormalities during spermiogenesis. In a small proportion of late spermatids the nuclear envelope develops broad areas of discontinuity except at the level of the acrosome. Manchette microtubules, which in normal spermatids form an orderly perinuclear array, appear to undergo premature depolymerization in cells of this type although flagellar structures differentiate normally. The majority of late spermatids, on the other hand, contain unusually large numbers of disorganized microtubules. Spermatid head shapes likewise become very abnormal. Both acrosomal and post-acrosomal portions of the nucleus exhibit malformations. The presence of disorganized microtubular arrays is believed to contribute to the observed nuclear deformations. Although condensation of the chromatin occurs in these cells, the spermatids seldom survive to maturity. Most of the cells are phagocytized by Sertoli cells. Late spermatids from tw2 homozygotes are abnormal in that they fail to maintain a precisely ordered array of microtubules during the concluding stages of spermiogenesis.This defect may reflect an underlying abnormality in the structural or biochemical characteristics of the plasma membrane with which the microtubules become associated.

scholarly journals UNE FORME MICROTUBULAIRE ET PARACRISTALLINE DE RETICULUM ENDOPLASMIQUE DANS LES PHOTOCYTES DES ANNELIDES POLYNOINÆ

1966 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Bassot
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Contact Surface ◽  
Special Kind ◽  
The Other ◽  
Cytoplasmic Organelle ◽  
Specialized Form

Luminous cells of polynoid worm elytra have been examined by methods of electron microscopy, with special attention focused on the fine structure of photogenic grains. These cells send apical prolongations into the mid-part of the elytra. The plasma membrane is very sinuous, and a special kind of desmosome links two portions of the same membrane. In addition to all the organelles which can be found in nonluminescent epithelial cells of the elytra, numerous photogenic grains are contained in their cytoplasm. These grains are composed of undulating microtubules measuring 200 A in diameter; their disposition in the grain is highly regular, and the grains appear as paracrystals. At the borders of the grains, the walls of the microtubules are often in continuity with those of the endoplasmic reticulum and with the external membrane of the nuclear envelope. Because of this fact, the microtubules of the grains may be considered a cytoplasmic organelle, representing a specialized form of the endoplasmic reticulum. The microtubules permit the repartition, inside and outside their walls, of two different products, one being forty-three times more abundant than the other; thus, the contact surface, in comparison to the volume, is greatly increased. The induction of the luminous reaction by change in the permeability of the microtubule walls, allowing contact between the two substances, is suggested as a working hypothesis. There is an evolution of the grains along the axis of the photocytes. The grains are often surrounded by progressively increasing amounts of glycogen. Their paracrystalline disposition is altered at the apex of the luminous cells.

Ultrastructual studies on spematids and sertoli cells during early spermogenesis in the bandicoot Peramelea nasuta geoffroy (Marsupialia)

1967 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 881 ◽  
Author(s):  
CS Sapsford ◽  
CA Rae ◽  
KW Cleland
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Sertoli Cell ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Cell Cytoplasm ◽  
Axial Filament ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
The Future ◽  
Nuclear Protrusion

The present paper deals with spermiogenesis up to and including the attachment of spermatids to Sertoli cells. The first observed step in spermatid differentiation was the development of the anlage of the middle piece and principal piece. This anlage, called the axial filament complex, has the structure of a cilium and arises from the future longitudinal centriole, while the latter, together with the future transverse centriole, lies in the vicinity of the Golgi complex. The definitive acrosomal vacuole, which ultimately becomes attached to and invaginates the nuclear envelope, is formed by the enlargement and coalescence of Golgi vacuoles. While this definitive vacuole is developing, the centrioles and attached axial filament complex migrate to the opposite pole of the nucleus. Before and during migration a number of accessory structures are developed in association with the centrioles, and one of these structures, the proximal junctional body, invaginates the nuclear envelope when the centrioles reach their definitive abacrosomal position. During this period, a cytoplasmic canal forms around the intraspermatid part of the axial filament complex. The definitive acrosomal vacuole ultimately extends out to make close contact with the plasma membrane of the spermatid. This stage of development is followed by a process of nuclear protrusion, initiated by the migration of the nucleus towards the region of contact between acrosomal vacuole and spermatid plasma membrane. During the migratory phase, that part of the nuclear envelope previously invaginated by the acrosomal vacuole becomes everted and the latter collapses, finally becoming sandwiched in between the nucleus and the plasma membrane of the spermatid. The nucleus subsequently projects from the surface of the spermatid, its acrosome-covered apex becoming coneshaped. During these phases of development the accessory structures elaborated in association with the centrioles, and which now lie in the neck region of the spermatid, have become more highly organized. The manchette begins to develop in spermatids at the stage at which the acrosome has become sandwiched in between the nucleus and the plasma membrane of the spermatid. Concurrently the spermatids become surrounded on all sides by Sertoli cell cytoplasm. In the later stages of nuclear protrusion, the manchette elongates and its walls become thicker. The protruding nuclei become orientated with their acrosome-covered apices facing towards the basement membrane of the tubules. Aggregations of finely granular material appear in Sertoli cell cytoplasm in the region of contact with the acrosomal vacuole. The possible role of the manchette and of Sertoli cell cytoplasm in the phenomenon of nuclear protrusion and orientation is discussed.

Compound Symbiosis in Peridinium Balticum

1973 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 500-501
Author(s):  
R. N. Tomas
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
The Other ◽  
Exact Nature ◽  
Symbiotic Relationship

Peridinium balticum appears to be unusual among the dinoflagellates in that it possesses two DNA-containing structures as determined by histochemical techniques. Ultrastructurally, the two dissimilar nuclei are contained within different protoplasts; one of the nuclei is characteristically dinophycean in nature, while the other is characteristically eucaryotic. The chloroplasts observed within P. balticum are intrinsic to an eucaryotic photosynthetic endosymbiont and not to the dinoflagellate. These organelles are surrounded by outpocketings of endoplasmic reticulum which are continuous with the eucaryotic nuclear envelope and are characterized by thylakoids composed of three apposed lamellae. Girdle lamellae and membranebounded interlamellar pyrenoids are also present. Only the plasmalemma of the endosymbiont segregates its protoplast from that of the dinophycean cytoplasm. The exact nature of this symbiotic relationship is at present not known.

Microtubule Dynamics and Organelle Transport in Reticulomyxa

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 194-195
Author(s):  
Yih-Tai Chen ◽  
Ursula Euteneuer ◽  
Ken B. Johnson ◽  
Michael P. Koonce ◽  
Manfred Schliwa
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Cytoplasmic Dynein ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Microtubule Dynamics ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Organelle Transport ◽  
Biochemical Characteristics ◽  
Dependent Transport

The application of video techniques to light microscopy and the development of motility assays in reactivated or reconstituted model systems rapidly advanced our understanding of the mechanism of organelle transport and microtubule dynamics in living cells. Two microtubule-based motors have been identified that are good candidates for motors that drive organelle transport: kinesin, a plus end-directed motor, and cytoplasmic dynein, which is minus end-directed. However, the evidence that they do in fact function as organelle motors is still indirect.We are studying microtubule-dependent transport and dynamics in the giant amoeba, Reticulomyxa. This cell extends filamentous strands backed by an extensive array of microtubules along which organelles move bidirectionally at up to 20 μm/sec (Fig. 1). Following removal of the plasma membrane with a mild detergent, organelle transport can be reactivated by the addition of ATP (1). The physiological, pharmacological and biochemical characteristics show the motor to be a cytoplasmic form of dynein (2).

scholarly journals Visualizing Association of the Retroviral Gag Protein with Unspliced Viral RNA in the Nucleus

mBio ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Kaddis Maldonado ◽  
Breanna Rice ◽  
Eunice C. Chen ◽  
Kevin M. Tuffy ◽  
Estelle F. Chiari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Rous Sarcoma Virus ◽  
Nuclear Export ◽  
Live Cell ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Gag Protein ◽  
Rous Sarcoma ◽  
Sarcoma Virus

ABSTRACT Packaging of genomic RNA (gRNA) by retroviruses is essential for infectivity, yet the subcellular site of the initial interaction between the Gag polyprotein and gRNA remains poorly defined. Because retroviral particles are released from the plasma membrane, it was previously thought that Gag proteins initially bound to gRNA in the cytoplasm or at the plasma membrane. However, the Gag protein of the avian retrovirus Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) undergoes active nuclear trafficking, which is required for efficient gRNA encapsidation (L. Z. Scheifele, R. A. Garbitt, J. D. Rhoads, and L. J. Parent, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 99:3944–3949, 2002, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.062652199; R. Garbitt-Hirst, S. P. Kenney, and L. J. Parent, J Virol 83:6790–6797, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.00101-09). These results raise the intriguing possibility that the primary contact between Gag and gRNA might occur in the nucleus. To examine this possibility, we created a RSV proviral construct that includes 24 tandem repeats of MS2 RNA stem-loops, making it possible to track RSV viral RNA (vRNA) in live cells in which a fluorophore-conjugated MS2 coat protein is coexpressed. Using confocal microscopy, we observed that both wild-type Gag and a nuclear export mutant (Gag.L219A) colocalized with vRNA in the nucleus. In live-cell time-lapse images, the wild-type Gag protein trafficked together with vRNA as a single ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex in the nucleoplasm near the nuclear periphery, appearing to traverse the nuclear envelope into the cytoplasm. Furthermore, biophysical imaging methods suggest that Gag and the unspliced vRNA physically interact in the nucleus. Taken together, these data suggest that RSV Gag binds unspliced vRNA to export it from the nucleus, possibly for packaging into virions as the viral genome. IMPORTANCE Retroviruses cause severe diseases in animals and humans, including cancer and acquired immunodeficiency syndromes. To propagate infection, retroviruses assemble new virus particles that contain viral proteins and unspliced vRNA to use as gRNA. Despite the critical requirement for gRNA packaging, the molecular mechanisms governing the identification and selection of gRNA by the Gag protein remain poorly understood. In this report, we demonstrate that the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) Gag protein colocalizes with unspliced vRNA in the nucleus in the interchromatin space. Using live-cell confocal imaging, RSV Gag and unspliced vRNA were observed to move together from inside the nucleus across the nuclear envelope, suggesting that the Gag-gRNA complex initially forms in the nucleus and undergoes nuclear export into the cytoplasm as a viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complex.

scholarly journals Risk of pre-term births and major birth defects resulting from paternal intake of COVID-19 medications prior to conception

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Rizzi ◽  
Maarten J. Wensink ◽  
Rune Lindahl-Jacobsen ◽  
Lu Tian ◽  
Ying Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Birth Defects ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
The Other ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Adverse Birth Outcomes ◽  
Term Birth ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Term Births

Abstract Objective With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, large numbers of people will receive one of the several medications proposed to treat COVID-19, including patients of reproductive age. Given that some medications have shown adverse effects on sperm quality, there might be a transgenerational concern. We aim at examining the association between drugs proposed to treat COVID-19 when taken by the father around conception and any pre-term birth or major birth defects in offspring in a nation-wide cohort study using Danish registry data. Offspring whose father filled at least one prescription of the following medications in the 3 months preceding conception were considered exposed: chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, losartan, azithromycin, naproxen, dexamethasone and prednisone. Results For azithromycin and naproxen, large numbers of offspring were exposed (> 1800 offspring), and we found no association with adverse birth outcomes. For chloroquine, losartan and dexamethasone, exposure was intermediate (~ 900 offspring), and there was no statistically significant association with birth defects. For hydroxychloroquine and prednisone, exposure was limited (< 300 offspring). Our evidence suggests that azithromycin and naproxen are safe with respect to pre-term birth and birth defects. For the other drugs investigated larger exposures are needed for conclusive statements.

scholarly journals The polymerization of actin: II. how nonfilamentous actin becomes nonrandomly distributed in sperm: evidence for the association of this actin with membranes

1976 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
LG Tilney
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Thin Section ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Mature Sperm ◽  
Vacuole Membrane ◽  
Other Substances ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Basal Half

At an early stage in spermiogenesis the acrosomal vacuole and other organelles including ribosomes are located at the basal end of the cell. From here actin must be transported to its future location at the anterior end of the cell. At no stage in the accumulation of actin in the periacrosomal region is the actin sequestered in a membrane-bounded compartment such as a vacuole or vesicle. Since filaments are not present in the periacrosomal region during the accumulation of the actin even though the fixation of these cells is sufficiently good to distinguish actin filaments in thin section, the actin must accumulate in the nonfilamentous state. The membranes in the periacrosomal region, specifically a portion of the nuclear envelope and the basal half of the acrosomal vacuole membrane, become specialized morphologically in advance of the accumulation of actin in this region. My working hypothesis is that the actin in combination with other substances binds to these specialized membranes and to itself and thus can accumulate in the periacrosmoal region by being trapped on these specialized membranes. Diffusion would then be sufficient to move these substances to this region. In support of this hypothesis are experiments in which I treated mature sperm with detergents, glycols, and hypotonic media, which solubilize or lift away the plasma membrane. The actin and its associated proteins remain attached to these specialized membranes. Thus actin can be nonrandomly distributed in cells in a nonfilamentous state presumably by its association with specialized membranes.

scholarly journals Expression of beta-nerve growth factor and its receptor in rat seminiferous epithelium: specific function at the onset of meiosis.

1992 ◽  
Vol 117 (3) ◽  
pp. 629-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Parvinen ◽  
M Pelto-Huikko ◽  
O Söder ◽  
R Schultz ◽  
A Kaipia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Nerve Growth Factor ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Seminiferous Epithelium ◽  
Receptor Protein ◽  
Tyrosine Kinase Receptor ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Nerve Growth ◽  
Ngf Receptor

beta-Nerve growth factor (NGF) is expressed in spermatogenic cells and has testosterone-downregulated low-affinity receptors on Sertoli cells suggesting a paracrine role in the regulation of spermatogenesis. An analysis of the stage-specific expression of NGF and its low affinity receptor during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in the rat revealed NGF mRNA and protein at all stages of the cycle. Tyrosine kinase receptor (trk) mRNA encoding an essential component of the high-affinity NGF receptor was also present at all stages. In contrast, expression of low affinity NGF receptor mRNA was only found in stages VIIcd and VIII of the cycle, the sites of onset of meiosis. The low-affinity NGF receptor protein was present in the plasma membrane of the apical Sertoli cell processes as well as in the basal plasma membrane of these cells at stages VIIcd to XI. NGF was shown to stimulate in vitro DNA synthesis of seminiferous tubule segments with preleptotene spermatocytes at the onset of meiosis while other segments remained nonresponsive. We conclude that NGF is a meiotic growth factor that acts through Sertoli cells.

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 Effects of cytoplasmic acidification on clathrin lattice morphology.

1989 ◽  
Vol 108 (2) ◽  
pp. 401-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Heuser
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Membrane Receptors ◽  
The Other ◽  
Culture Dish ◽  
Initial Curvature ◽  
Internal Ph ◽  
Cytoplasmic Acidification

Reducing the internal pH of cultured cells by several different protocols that block endocytosis is found to alter the structure of clathrin lattices on the inside of the plasma membrane. Lattices curve inward until they become almost spherical yet remain stubbornly attached to the membrane. Also, the lattices bloom empty "microcages" of clathrin around their edges. Correspondingly, broken-open cells bathed in acidified media demonstrate similar changes in clathrin lattices. Acidification accentuates the normal tendency of lattices to round up in vitro and also stimulates them to nucleate microcage formation from pure solutions of clathrin. On the other hand, several conditions that also inhibit endocytosis have been found to create, instead of unusually curved clathrin lattices with extraneous microcages, a preponderance of unusually flat lattices. These treatments include pH-"clamping" cells at neutrality with nigericin, swelling cells with hypotonic media, and sticking cells to the surface of a culture dish with soluble polylysine. Again, the unusually flat lattices in such cells display a tendency to round up and to nucleate clathrin microcage formation during subsequent in vitro acidification. This indicates that regardless of the initial curvature of clathrin lattices, they all display an ability to grow and increase their curvature in vitro, and this is enhanced by lowering ambient pH. Possibly, clathrin lattice growth and curvature in vivo may also be stimulated by a local drop in pH around clusters of membrane receptors.

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