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Biomedical subjects

M Bouteille

Publications and source records attributed to M Bouteille.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Detection of sugar-binding proteins in membrane-depleted nuclei.

Nuclear sugar-binding proteins were detected in membrane-depleted nuclei isolated from hamster BHK cells and mouse L 1210 leukemia cells by means of fluorescein-labelled neoglycoproteins. In fluorescence microscopy, the fluorescence was seen throughout the nucleus but was generally brighter over the nucleoli than over the rest of the nucleus. Flow cytofluorometry analysis demonstrated the presence of nuclear sugar-binding proteins for synthetic glycoproteins associated with different sugar residues. Among the nine neoglycoproteins used, four neoglycoproteins (namely alpha-rhamnosylated, alpha-glucosylated, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminylated and alpha-mannosylated-6P-serum albumin) strongly labelled nuclei. Various controls strongly argue for the specificity of the nuclear labelling. The possibility that some of the sugar-binding proteins might correspond to endogenous nuclear lectins is considered.

Animals↗

Characterization of lamina-bound chromatin in the nuclear shell isolated from HeLa cells.

The structure and the polypeptide composition of the nuclear shell isolated from interphase HeLa cells have been investigated and compared to those of the intranuclear material. The isolated nuclear shell contains chromatin superstructures (28-32 nm thick fibres) made of tightly packed nucleosomes that resist low ionic strength conditions and that are associated with the three nuclear lamins. Chromatin in the nuclear shell exhibits very simple chemical composition. Especially, non-histone proteins are lacking. The results presented here rule out the possibility that the nuclear shell results from contamination of lamina by intranuclear elements. They suggest that the lamins are directly involved in the specific properties and in the organization of chromatin in the nuclear shell.

Cell Fractionation↗

Rotation of the cell nucleus in living cells: a quantitative analysis.

Nuclear rotation is observed in a variety of cell types. However, few quantitative analyses are reported and the significance of this phenomenon is still unclear. To investigate this type of nuclear movement, we performed a quantitative analysis in mouse L-929 fibroblasts, a cell line chosen since it displays a high nuclear rotational activity. Analyses were performed using time-lapse microcinematography. The relationship between nuclear rotation and other cellular phenomena such as the cell cycle and locomotion were studied. Then, we investigated the rotation in a population of sister cells to study whether it is genetically determined. Finally, we performed a qualitative analysis of nuclear rotation in different cultured cell lines. Results show that nuclear rotations preferentially occur during the phases of the cell cycle which surround mitosis.

Animals↗

In situ ultrastructural localization of sugar-binding sites in lizard granulosa cell nuclei.

Mannose-binding sites were detected at the ultrastructural level in nuclei of lizard granulosa cells in situ by means of mannosylated ferritin. When ultrathin sections of material embedded in glycol methacrylate were incubated with mannosylated ferritin, a strong labelling was observed over nucleoli, chromatin and the external leaflet of the nuclear envelope, but no labelling was detected in the perinuclear space except for nuclear pores. This labelling was clearly inhibited when sections were incubated in a solution containing both mannosylated ferritin and a sugar-related neoglycoprotein (mannosylated serum albumin). These ultrastructural data supporting the existence of nuclear lectin-like components in reptilian cells are in agreement with our previous findings about such components in nuclei isolated from mammalian cells. Owing to the unique organization of the granular component of the nucleoli in specialized granulosa cells, we are able to show that some of the mannose-binding sites are associated with ribosomal precursors.

Animals↗

Nuclear RNA-associated proteins and their relationship to the nuclear matrix and related structures in HeLa cells.

The ultrastructure and the polypeptide composition of residual nuclear substructures including nuclear matrices, nuclear ghosts, and residual envelopes were investigated by means of electron microscopy and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Nuclear matrices were prepared by digesting isolated nuclei with DNase I alone, followed by high-salt extraction in 2 M NaCl. Nuclear ghosts were obtained by high-salt extraction of nuclei previously digested with DNase and RNase in MgCl2-containing buffers. To prepare residual envelopes, nuclei were first digested with RNase in the presence of EDTA, then digested with Mg2+ -activated DNase I, and extracted in 2 M NaCl. The results of this comparative study support the conclusion that the intranuclear matrix is made of two distinct RNA-containing elements. One of these elements appears on ultrathin sections as a thin fibrillar network. It disappears from RNase-digested nuclei, together with numerous basic proteins, whatever the conditions of digestion. Although this element is present in extranucleolar territories, it is a major component of residual nucleoli. The second element appears as coarse-beaded fibers absent from the nucleolar areas. Its preservation in residual nuclear substructures depends on the presence of Mg2+ ions during RNase digestion of nuclei. It is enriched in two minor basic proteins of relative mass 49 000 and 70 000. The involvement of this fibrogranular element in heterogeneous nuclear RNA attachment to the nuclear matrix is discussed.

Cell Fractionation↗

Silver staining of the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) on Lowicryl and cryo-ultrathin sections.

Nucleolar organizer region (NOR) silver staining was applied to sections of fixed material. A positive reaction on cryo-ultrathin sections was found as well as on semithin and ultrathin Lowicryl sections. Repeatable staining that was easy to control was obtained by a one-step procedure after aldehyde-Carnoy fixation. Fixation of the material by formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde alone in cacodylate buffer also maintained reaction selectivity when ammonium chloride was used after fixation. Enzymatic digestion by pronase, RNase A, DNase I, or micrococcal nuclease was applied to ultrathin Lowicryl sections. Pronase digestion removed the silver-stained proteins, whereas digestion by the nucleases did not. A routine procedure is proposed for easy NOR silver staining of sections that preserves a good tissue ultrastructure and is also compatible with cytochemical and immunological investigations.

Acrylic Resins↗

Structural aspects of intranuclear matrix disintegration upon RNase digestion of HeLa cell nuclei.

The organization of the intranuclear elements observed in histone-depleted (2 M NaCl-extracted) HeLa cell nuclei was investigated by means of electron microscopy and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. This work was mainly aimed at verifying whether or not an intranuclear skeleton or matrix existed, which could explain the stable attachment of RNA to the residual nuclear structure after high-salt extraction, and its three-dimensional organization. We compared the ultrastructure and the polypeptide composition of RNA-containing and RNA-depleted (RNase-treated) nuclear residues, and we visualized intermediate stages of RNase action on the intranuclear material. We showed that this material was made of two types (fibrillar and granular) of salt-resistant RNP components equally sensitive to RNase when the enzyme was used prior to high-salt extraction. At least in our material and under our experimental conditions, no intranuclear matrix could be distinguished from the residual RNP material. Our results further suggest that formation of such a matrix is a path-dependent phenomenon.

Cell Nucleus↗

Procedure for isolating micronuclei from rat kangaroo cultured cells containing individualized chromosomes.

Micronuclei are small interphase nuclei containing part of the genome; the DNA content of the smallest micronuclei is equivalent to one chromosome. For analysis by biochemical method and by cytofluorometry of interphase micronuclei containing a single chromosome, several isolation and purification procedures were tested and checked by fluorescent microscopy using the DNA dye Hoechst 33 342 and electron microscopy. Micronucleation of rat kangaroo epithelial cells was induced by colchicine treatment for three days. Micronuclei were isolated in a low ionic strength buffer containing collagenase, with concomitant mechanical shocks. Eighty % of the micronuclei were released after 3 to 7 min, with minimum nuclear breakage. Subsequent filtration through several polycarbonate filters 12, 8 and 5 micron in diameter enabled purification of the smallest micronuclei without aggregates or debris. Micronuclear morphology was well preserved, as shown by electron microscope observations. Therefore, we established the optimal conditions allowing gentle mass isolation of individual micronuclei of cultured PtK1 cells, compatible with flow cytometry analysis.

Animals↗

Visualization of chromatin distribution in living PTO cells by Hoechst 33342 fluorescent staining.

Chromatin distribution was visualized in living cells with the selective DNA fluorochrome Hoechst 33342. This dye was shown to be non-toxic on the rat kangaroo PTO cell line by measuring the labelled cell growth rate. The aim of this work was firstly to visualize chromatin distribution without fixation or dehydration and secondly to demonstrate that quantitative determination of DNA content was possible under these non-toxic labelling conditions. During interphase, condensed, decondensed and thin network chromatin configurations were visualized. In nucleolar regions the fluorochrome revealed well-defined chromocentres. During mitosis, fluorescent chromosome banding was observed in vital conditions and chromocentres on fixed chromosomes. Chromatin segregation was visualized after micronucleation, which induced chromosomal set distribution in individual micronuclei. By this means, we demonstrated that the chromocentres observed in interphase nuclei were part of nuclear organizer region (NOR)-bearing chromosomes. This vital staining of chromatin was shown to be compatible with the quantitative determination of DNA content, both in living PTO cells and in isolated nuclei.

Anaphase↗

Three-dimensional approaches to the residual structure of histone-depleted HeLa cell nuclei.

Histone-depleted nuclei were prepared by high-salt extraction of interphase HeLa cell nuclei. A large amount of the nuclear DNA remained associated with a rapidly sedimenting residual nuclear structure including cytoplasmic (intermediate filament) and nuclear (matrix and lamina) proteins. Electron microscopy allowed detection in the insoluble structure of a residual nuclear envelope, nucleolar residues, and an intranuclear network whose correspondence with components of in situ fixed nuclei is discussed. Using three-dimensional electron microscopy, it is further demonstrated that the salt-insoluble structure remaining after histone depletion in 2 M NaCl is highly ordered. This is of the utmost importance when considering the roles reportedly ascribed to this structure in nuclear functions.

Cell Nucleolus↗

Relationship between the Ag-NOR proteins and ribosomal chromatin in situ during drug-induced RNA synthesis inhibition.

In human TG tumor cells, the role of silver-NOR proteins was investigated by examining their relationship with the chromatin structure during inhibition of RNA synthesis by actionomycin-D treatment. This induced segregation of the nucleoli into four distinct zones and weakened the silver reaction. The fibrillar components were found to constitute the site of silver-stained proteins segregation. Feulgen-like osmium-ammine staining revealed that the DNA disappeared from the segregated nucleoli except for a network of nonnucleosomal filaments. When Ag-NOR protein detection was combined with chromatin visualization, we found constant overlapping of the silver reaction sites with the nonnucleosomal DNA filaments. Our results indicate that certain Ag-NOR proteins are not directly linked to active rRNA synthesis, but might rather affect the structure of ribosomal genes.

Cell Line↗

Anchorage of the nucleolus in the pore complex-lamina by a DNA-bearing structure masked in situ in rat liver nuclei.

We have developed a method by which nuclear shells containing nucleoli can be isolated from membrane-depleted rat liver nuclei. This method involves the removal of the internal chromatin. This chromatin is expelled from the nuclear shell using combinations of low and high ionic strength buffers. The expelled internal part is subsequently digested with DNase I or micrococcal nuclease. Examination by electron microscopy of the nuclear and the nucleolar structures at various steps of the isolation procedure shows that the nucleoli are anchored in the peripheral lamina by a pedicle that is continuous with an intranucleolar network. This network is masked in situ by nucleolar granules. The pedicle and the network which support the nucleolar DNA are composed mainly of non-histone proteins insoluble in 2M NaCl.

Animals↗

Effects of the vital DNA probe fluorochrome Hoechst 33342 on PtK cell chromatin.

We investigated the effects of DNA labelling by fluorochrome Hoechst 33342, on chromatin distribution and transcription during a short-term non-toxic staining procedure which did not prevent the cell growth. By electron microscope examination we found chromatin condensation and nucleolar fragmentation just after the staining. Both effects appeared to be reversible 24h after staining; 48h afterwards, the morphological pattern was similar to that of control cells. The rate of RNA transcription was reduced at the end of staining, increased at 24h, and was comparable to the control at 48h. We also observed an effect on the cell cycle when the staining pasted 6h. Consequently, 24h after Hoechst vital staining, the effects on chromatin vanished whereas the cells remained fluorescent.

Animals↗

In situ arrangement of nor-bearing chromosomes in the interphase nucleus of Aotus trivirgatus.

The spatial organization of the two nucleolus-organizing region (NOR)-bearing chromosomes during interphase was studied in Aotus trivirgatus fibroblasts, using nucleoli as ultrastructural markers. Their distribution was examined by measuring the distances between them in 30 reconstructed nuclei, and comparing these experimental values with the theoretical ones obtained by simulation. Results were as follows: (1) the nucleoli are arranged in a polarized manner inside the nucleus; (2) the nucleoli are tightly bound to the nuclear envelope at two opposites sites; (3) the distance between the two nucleoli is variable, and is shorter than it would be if the two nucleoli were distributed at random. These findings indicate that the NOR-bearing chromosomes are fixed at the nuclear envelope in two opposite areas. They are also consistent with the hypothesis that each chromosome occupies a separate domain inside the nucleus. They can be interpreted according to the model in which chromosome arrangement within the interphase nucleus is based on the separation of the diploid complement into two independent haploid sets.

Animals↗

In situ distribution in different cell types of nuclear glycoconjugates detected by two lectins.

Nuclear glycoconjugates were detected in situ by two lectins--Concanavalin A and Wheat germ agglutinin--on tissue sections embedded in the hydrophilic resin glycol methacrylate. These lectins were conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate for fluorescence microscopy, and labelled with ferritin for electron microscopy. The ovarian follicle of the lizard Lacerta vivipara was chosen for this study, because it enables four types of nuclei, with different ultrastructures and physiology to be observed on the same section. In this material, all the nucleoli were found to contain a high concentration of receptors for both lectins. The distribution of the receptors located in the chromatin and nucleoli was observed to vary within the same type of nucleus, depending on the lectin used. Some of our results suggest that increased labelling by Wheat germ agglutinin might depend on increased production of ribosomal precursors.

Animals↗

Localization of measles virus nucleic acid sequences in infected cells by in situ hybridization.

Vero cells were infected with measles virus and hybridized in situ to a cloned DNA fragment containing specific sequences for measles nucleocapsid protein. The DNA was labelled with tritium by nick-translation. The viral RNA were detected in the cytoplasm 21 hrs after infection. In many cells, the probe hybridized to nuclear structures, and in several mitotic cells, to chromosomes. After 36 hrs of infection, hybridization sites were found both in the center and in many nuclei of all the polykaryons. These results indicate that cellular distribution of viral RNA molecules varies in the course of infection. They further suggest that the nucleus plays a more active role than expected in measles virus transcription and replication.

Animals↗