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Electron cytochemical demonstration of phosphatase activity with microbody membranes of Basidiobolus haptosporus.

Growth of cells of the potentially zoopathogenic fungus Basidiobolus haptosporus on a nutritionally defined medium with xanthine or urate as the nitrogen source results in greatly increased populations of microbodies. Modified Gomori procedures at the electron microscopic level suggested the single limiting membrane (and in some cases the granular matrix) of immature microbodies to be the exclusive subcellular locale(s) of alkaline phosphatase, 5'-nucleotidase and nucleoside diphosphatase activities. When grown in the presence of low inorganic phosphate, additional alkaline phosphatase activity was further identified cytochemically at and along profiles of endoplasmic reticulum and on inclusions previously described as "double-membraned vesicles". Cytochemical localization of acid phosphatase at microbody membranes was minimal if not ambiguous; Mg++-dependent adenosine triphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase were not identified at these locales. Quantitative biochemical estimates of alkaline phosphatase activity levels in particulate fractions initially increased with age of cells, perhaps as a function of the cultural induction and marked increase in immature microbody populations. We suggest that this enzyme may participate in some manner with protein translocation mechanisms associated with microbody biogenesis, ontogeny, and/or physiological function.

5'-Nucleotidase↗

Evolutionary conservation of a microbody targeting signal that targets proteins to peroxisomes, glyoxysomes, and glycosomes.

Peroxisomes, glyoxysomes, glycosomes, and hydrogenosomes have each been classified as microbodies, i.e., subcellular organelles with an electron-dense matrix that is bound by a single membrane. We investigated whether these organelles might share a common evolutionary origin by asking if targeting signals used for translocation of proteins into these microbodies are related. A peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS) consisting of the COOH-terminal tripeptide serine-lysine-leucine-COOH has been identified in a number of peroxisomal proteins (Gould, S.J., G.-A. Keller, N. Hosken, J. Wilkinson, and S. Subramani. 1989. J. Cell Biol. 108:1657-1664). Antibodies raised to a peptide ending in this sequence (SKL-COOH) recognize a number of peroxisomal proteins. Immunocryoelectron microscopy experiments using this anti-SKL antibody revealed the presence of proteins containing the PTS within glyoxysomes of cells from Pichia pastoris, germinating castor bean seeds, and Neurospora crassa, as well as within the glycosomes of Trypanosoma brucei. Western blot analysis of purified organelle fractions revealed the presence of many proteins containing this PTS in both glyoxysomes and glycosomes. These results indicate that at least one of the signals, and therefore the mechanism, for protein translocation into peroxisomes, glyoxysomes, and glycosomes has been conserved, lending support to a common evolutionary origin for these microbodies. Hydrogenosomes, the fourth type of microbody, did not contain proteins that cross-reacted with the anti-PTS antibody, suggesting that this organelle is unrelated to microbodies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Response of microbodies in Morris hepatoma 9618A to clofibrate.

Regulation of the formation of microbodies in Morris hepatoma 9618A was studied by examination of the response of the organelles to clofibrate. The fine structures of microbodies in the hepatoma cells closely resembled those in hepatocytes of normal adult rats. In clofibrate-treated rats, the tumor cells showed a slight increase in the size of microbodies and in catalase activity; however, the tumor microbodies did not increase in number. In contrast, in adult clofibrate-treated rats and rats on the day of birth whose mothers received clofibrate during the gestation period, the hepatocytes showed microbodies that were greater in both number and size, and the catalase activity in the liver was definitely elevated.

Animals↗

Changes in targeting efficiencies of proteins to plant microbodies caused by amino acid substitutions in the carboxy-terminal tripeptide.

It has been demonstrated that the carboxyl terminus of microbody enzymes functions as a targeting signal to microbodies in higher plants. We have examined an ability of 24 carboxy-terminal amino acid sequences to facilitate the transport of a cytosolic passenger protein, beta-glucuronidase, into microbodies in green cotyledonary cells of transgenic Arabidopsis. Immunoelectron microscopic analysis revealed that carboxy-terminal tripeptide sequences of the form [C/A/S/P]-[K/R]-[I/L/M] function as a microbody-targeting signal, although tripeptides with proline at the first amino acid position and isoleucine at the carboxyl terminus show weak targeting efficiencies. All known microbody enzymes that are synthesized in a form similar in size to the mature molecule, except catalase, contain one of these tripeptide sequences at their carboxyl terminus.

Amino Acids↗

Ultrastructure of methanol-utilizing yeast cells: appearance of microbodies in relation to high catalase activity.

Nine strains of methanol-utilizing yeasts belonging to the genera Candida, Hansenula, Kloeckera, Pichia, and Torulopsis were examined with respect to the interrelationship between their catalase content and ultrastructure. Methanol-grown cells of all the yeasts tested showed higher catalase activities than the respective ethanol- and glucose-grown cells. In connection with this, occurrence of a specific organelle surrounded by a single-unit membrane ("microbodies") was observed only in the methanol-grown cells. Several morphological differences were observed between the microbodies of methanol-utilizing yeasts and those of hydrocarbon-utilizing yeasts such as Candida tropicalis. That is, microbodies of methanol utilizers were large in size, existed in closely associated forms, and had crystalloid structures. Localization of catalase activity in these microbodies was demonstrated cytochemically by use of 3,3'-diaminobenzidene. Especially, 3,3'-diaminobenzidine reaction product accumulated heavily in crystalloids of yeast microbodies.

Candida↗

Morphological and histochemical observations on renal microbodies in cats.

The diaminobenzidine method for catalase showed two distinct morphological populations of renal microbodies in healthy mature cats of both sexes. Microbodies in the proximal convoluted tubules, which in this species also contain abdundant neutral lipids, were polyhedral and had distinct marginal plates. Those in the remaining renal tubules, which are lipid-free, were rounder and less uniform in size. Both forms of microbodies had homogenous granular matrices without nuceloides. The morphological variations of the microbodies may depend on their association with renal lipids. The cat may serve as a model to explore functional or pathological relationships between microbodies and fat metabolism.

Animals↗

Microbodies of the pig liver. A morphologic and morphometric study.

The ultrastructure of hepatic microbodies of pigs was studied in liver samples fixed in phosphate-buffered 2% glutaraldehyde (pH 7.4) and postfixed in 2% osmium tetroxide. The microbodies were rounded or ovoid in shape and contained a granular matrix enclosed with a single limiting membrane. The matrix, in many of the organelles, contained an amorphous or an organized (crystalloid) area. The crystalloids were organized as fine, alternating electron-opaque and electron-lucent lines, or as groups of tubules arranged in more than one plane. Profiles of smooth endoplasmic reticulum were usually found near the microbodies. 34 microbodies were approximately 0.67 +/- 0.02 micrometer (mean +/- standard error) in length and were approximately 0.56 micrometer (+/- 0.02 micrometer) wide. The marginal plates consisted of strata which exhibited a periodicity. The average length and width of 17 plates was approximately 0.34 +/- 0.03 micrometer and 0.002 micrometer, respectively. This study clearly establishes the occurrence of marginal plates in microbodies of porcine liver.

Animals↗

Microbody Malate Dehydrogenase Isozyme in Cotyledons of Cucumis sativus L. during Development.

The properties of the microbody malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.37) (MDH) isozyme from cotyledons of Cucumus sativus L. were compared during development. It is concluded that the isozyme remains unaltered, despite the transition from glyoxysomal to peroxisomal function that occurs during greening of the cotyledons. This conclusion is based on electrophoretic behavior, chromatographic elution from DEAE-cellulose, molecular weight, kinetic behavior, and immunological identity. In most cases, the distinct properties of the other MDH isozymes in the tissue during development provide additional support for an unchanging microbody isozyme. A method for assaying specifically the microbody isozyme was developed; a diluted preparation was assayed spectrophotometrically before and after complete immunological precipitation. The turnover of the microbody MDH isozyme was investigated by a radioactive labeling study. There is incorporation into both glyoxysomal and peroxisomal MDH. Degradation rates do not correspond with either decline of glyoxysomal activity or the continuation of peroxisomal activity. Apparently, the microbody MDH isozyme is continually turned over throughout cotyledon development.

Journal Article↗

The topogenic signal of the glycosomal (microbody) phosphoglycerate kinase of Crithidia fasciculata resides in a carboxy-terminal extension.

To determine how microbody proteins enter microbodies, we have previously compared the genes for the cytosolic and glycosomal (microbody) phosphoglycerate kinases (PGKs) of Trypanosoma brucei and found the microbody enzyme to differ from other PGKs and the cytosolic form in two respects: a high net positive charge and a C-terminal extension of 20 amino acids (Osinga et al., 1985). Here we present the comparison of the genes for the cytosolic and glycosomal PGKs of Crithidia fasciculata, another kinetoplastid organism. The amino acid sequences of the two Crithidia isoenzymes are virtually identical, except for a C-terminal extension of 38 amino acids. We conclude that this extension must direct the glycosomal PGK to the glycosome. The extensions of the Crithidia and Trypanosoma enzymes are both rich in small hydrophobic and hydroxyl amino acids.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Biogenesis and metabolic significance of microbodies in urate-utilizing yeasts.

Growth of Candida famata and Trichosporon cutaneum on uric acid as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen was associated with the development of a number of microbodies in the cells. Cytochemical staining experiments showed that the organelles contained urate oxidase, a key enzyme of uric acid metabolism, and catalase. Transfer of cells, precultured on glucose or glycerol, into uric acid-containing media indicated that these microbodies originated from the organelles, originally present in the inoculum cells, by growth and division. In urate-grown C. famata the microbodies were frequently observed in large clusters; in both organisms they existed in close association with mitochondria and strands of ER. The organelles lacked crystalline inclusions. In freeze-fractured cells their surrounding membranes showed smooth fracture faces. Exposure of urate-grown cells to glucose-excess conditions led to a rapid inactivation of urate oxidase activity but catalase was only slightly inactivated. Glucose-induced enzyme inactivation was not associated with the degradation of the microbodies present in the cells. Similarly, repression of urate oxidase synthesis by ammonium ions also did not lead to the degradation of peroxisomes.

Amidohydrolases↗

Degradation of microbodies in relation to activities of alcohol oxidase and catalase in Candida boidinii.

Degradation of microbodies in the methanol-utilizing yeast Candida boidinii was mainly studied by electron microscopical observation. The yeast cells precultured on methanol medium contained five to six microbodies per section and showed high activities of alcohol oxidase, catalase, formaldehyde dehydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase. When the precultured cells were transferred into an ethanol medium the number of microbodies and concomitantly the activities of alcohol oxidase and catalase decreased. After 6 h of cultivation microbodies were hardly detected. Also the activity of alcohol oxidase was not measurable and catalase activity was reduced to one tenth, whereas the activities of formaldehyde dehydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase decreased only to about 70%. Experiments with methanol-grown cells transferred into an ethanol medium without nitrogen source indicated that the inactivation of alcohol oxidase and catalase does not require protein synthesis. However, the reappearance of these enzymes is presumably due to de novo protein synthesis as shown by experiments with cycloheximide.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

The cytochemical demonstration of catalase and D-amino acid oxidase in the microbodies of teleost kidney cells.

The distribution of catalase and D-amino acid oxidase, marker enzymes for peroxisomes, was determined cytochemically in the kidney tubules of an euryhaline teleost, the three-spined stickleback. Catalase activity was localized with the diaminobenzidine technique. The presence of D-amino acid oxidase was determined using H2O2 generated by the enzyme, D-alanine as a substrate, and cerous ions for the formation of an electron-dense precipitate. Both enzymes appeared to be located in microbodies. The combined presence of these enzymes characterizes the microbodies as peroxisomes. Biochemically and cytochemically, no urate oxidase or glycolate-oxidizing L-alpha-hydroxy acid oxidase could be demonstrated. Stereological analysis of the epithelia lining the renal tubules showed that the fractional volume of the microbodies is 5 to 10 times higher in the cells of the second proximal tubules than in the other nephronic segments or the ureter. The fractional volume of the microbodies was similar in kidneys of freshwater and seawater fishes.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

Induction of beta-oxidation enzymes and microbody proliferation in Aspergillus nidulans.

Aspergillus nidulans is able to grow on oleic acid as sole carbon source. Characterization of the oleate-induced beta-oxidation pathway showed the presence of the two enzyme activities involved in the first step of this catabolic system: acyl-CoA oxidase and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase. After isopicnic centrifugation in a linear sucrose gradient, microbodies (peroxisomes) housing the beta-oxidation enzymes, isocitrate lyase and catalase were clearly resolved from the mitochondrial fraction, which contained fumarase. Growth on oleic acid was associated with the development of many microbodies that were scattered throughout the cytoplasm of the cells. These microbodies (peroxisomes) were round to elongated, made up 6% of the cytoplasmic volume, and were characterized by the presence of catalase. The beta-oxidation pathway was also induced in acetate-grown cells, although at lower levels; these cells lacked acyl-CoA oxidase activity. Nevertheless, growth on acetate did not cause a massive proliferation of microbodies in A. nidulans.

Acetates↗

Phylogenetic implications of the microbody-lipid globule complex in zoosporic fungi.

Chytridiomycetous fungal zoospores contain a unique and intricate association of organelles, the 'microbody-lipid globule complex' (MLC). The spatial arrangement of organelles in the MLC appears important in the utilization of lipid globules for energy, but in addition, the structural association of organelles in the MLC reveals phylogenetic trends within this diverse group of organisms. Variations in the structure of the MLC correlate well with current phylogenetic concepts of aquatic fungi, yet suggest new relationships among these posteriorly uniflagellate zoospores. Based upon the organization of organelles in the MLC, 4 basic patterns of MLCs can be recognized, and these correspond to the 4 orders of Chytridiomycetes. The MLC in its simplest form consists of a microbody appressed to the edge of a lipid globule. In more highly organized MLCs, mitochondria subtend the microbody and a cisterna surmounts one side of the lipid globule. The organization and structure is still more complex in other MLCs where ER is elaborated into a tubular network of membranes or where small microbodies or mitochondria fuse into 'giant' organelles. The structural organization of the MLC provides an additional criterion by which the phylogeny of awuatic fungi can be evaluated.

Fungi↗

Double-membraned vesicles and their possible role in the ontogeny of microbodies of Basidiobolus haptosporus.

A concomitant but transient occurrence of large numbers of double-membraned vesicles with immature, culturally induced microbodies was demonstrated in thin sections of Basidiobolus haptosporus soon after transfer of the fungus to a defined medium containing xanthine or its catabolites as the sole source of nitrogen. Double-membraned vesicles were rapidly formed as derivatives of endoplasmic cisternae later to occur free in the cytoplasm, often as the most predominant cytoplasmic inclusion. Densitometric measurements revealed that heavy metal-binding cytoplasmic constituents were concentrated within the vesicular lumen. Most of the double-membraned vesicles appeared to undergo degeneration; they were rare to absent in thin sections of older cells. At times, double-membraned vesicles were seen connected to newly formed microbodies in a manner suggesting ontogenic relationships. The outer vesicular membrane was continuous with the single limiting membrane of the microbody via a short tubule. We interpret these observations as empirical ultrastructural evidence to suggest that some double-membraned vesicles become specialized and function as precursor inclusions in the biogenesis of new microbody populations committed to purine salvage.

Basidiomycota↗

Fractionation of the proteins of plant microbodies.

1. Glyoxysomes and peroxisomes have been isolated from dark- and light-grown seedlings of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) by sucrose-density-gradient centrifugation. 2. Pumpkin microbodies and castor-bean (Ricinus communis) glyoxysomes may be fractionated, by a combination of osmotic shock and treatment with KCl, into three distinct groups of proteins: readily soluble (matrix enzymes), solubilized in the presence of KCl (membrane-bound enzymes) and relatively insoluble (membrane ;ghost' proteins). 3. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis of ;ghost' fractions indicated that the membrane proteins were generally of low molecular weight; one gel band (mol.wt. 27000-28000) was common to all three microbodies. 4. Although there were major differences in the soluble protein components of pumpkin glyoxysomes and peroxisomes, electrophoresis of the pumpkin microbody ;ghosts' indicated that the membrane proteins were similar, four main components being common to each class of microbody (monomer molecular weights 42000, 34000, 27000 and 17000).

Centrifugation, Density Gradient↗

Fatty acid beta-oxidation system in microbodies of n-alkane-grown Candida tropicalis.

Localization of fatty acid beta-oxidation system in microbodies of Candida tropicalis cells growing on n-alkanes was studied. Microbodies isolated from the yeast cells showed palmitate-dependent activities of NAD reduction, acetyl-CoA formation and oxygen consumption. When sodium azide, an inhibitor of catalase, was added to the system, palmitate-dependent formation of hydrogen peroxide was observed. Stoichiometric study revealed that two moles of NAD were reduced per one mole of oxygen consumed in the absence of sodium azide and the presence of the inhibitor doubled the oxygen consumption by microbodies without an appreciable change in NAD reduction. These results indicate that the yeast microbodies contain beta-oxidation system of fatty acid, and that catalase located in the organelles participates in the degradation of hydrogen peroxide to be formed at the step of dehydrogenation of acyl-CoA.

Acetyl Coenzyme A↗

Development of Microbodies in the yeast Kloeckera growing on methanol.

A number of microbodies appear regularly in methanol-grown yeast cells, but rarely in ethanol- or glucose-grown cells. When one of representative methanol-utilizing yeasts, Kloeckera sp.no. 2201 (also known as Candida bodinii), was cultured on glucose and then transferred into a methanol medium, microbodies of small size could be observed in 2-h old cells. The number of microbodies per sectioned cell reached five to six after 4 h of cultivation. Though the number of microbodies did not change during prolonged cultivation, their size became larger with the passage of cultivation time. The activities of catalase and alcohol oxidase were confirmed in the particulate fractions throughout the cultivation period, whereas the activities of formaldehyde dehydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase were not detected in the particles. The activity of isocitrate lyase was detected in the particulate fractions only at the early growth phase.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗