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Fine structure of nuclei and cytoplasm of osteoclasts in Paget's disease of bone.

To investigate the fine structural features of nuclei and cytoplasm in osteoclasts from patients with Paget's disease of bone, eight bone biopsies were examined. Unusual paracrystalline filamentous formations were found with the nuclei of both actively resorbing and degenerating osteoclasts. These formations were made up of parallel arranged filaments which, in most cases, clustered together regularly. The filaments were slightly argyrophilic and this helped to differentiate them from the surrounding nuclear matrix, even when they were not aggregated in clusters. Argyrophilic filaments were also found loosely aggregated inside the cytoplasm of osteoclasts. In three biopsies two additional and unusual cytoplasmic inclusions were found. The first consisted of irregularly branching, highly argyrophilic membranous strands which were located inside membrane-bound vacuoles. The second consisted of spindle-shaped structures enclosed by two membranes and containing three or more tubules. It is suggested that these results stand as further morphological evidence in favour of the view that a virus, possibly of the paramyxovirus class, has a pathogenetic role in Paget's disease of bone.

Aged↗

The fine structure of Streptomyces coelicolor. I. The cytoplasmic membrane system.

Colonies and spore suspensions of Streptomyces coelicolor were fixed by the method of Kellenberger, Ryter, and Séchaud (1958) and embedded in methacrylate or araldite. Thin sections were cut with an A. F. Huxley microtome and examined in a Siemens' Elmiskop I. At all stages of development the hyphae of Streptomyces coelicolor have an extensive membranous component in the cytoplasm. The membranes are continuous with the plasma membrane and have a variety of configurations at different places in the hyphae. Tubular structures, vesicles, and parallel stacks of membranes are seen. In some areas concentric layers of membranes form whorled structures which are particularly frequent in the region of developing cross-walls and within maturing spores. In the spores membranous structures often lie embedded in the nuclear material. In disintegrating hyphae the intracytoplasmic membranes round off into small vesicles and remain when the rest of the cytoplasmic structure has gone. In the absence of typical mitochondria and other cytoplasmic membranous structures it is possible that the membranous component of the cytoplasm of Streptomyces coelicolor may perform the functions of the endoplasmic reticulum and/or the mitochondria of higher cells.

Cell Membrane↗

Cytoplasmic and cell surface structure of purified liver gap junctions revealed by freeze-drying.

After freeze-drying of purified liver gap junction plaques and vesicles the structural features of the inner and outer aspects of purified gap junctions were investigated. No structural details were seen on the cytoplasmic side of the connexions whereas on the cell surface side the connexions were organized in a paracrystalline pattern and exhibited a central depression or pore. We conclude that the central pore through each connexion varies in diameter along its length and that the closing site is located near the cytoplasmic face.

Animals↗

Amoebapores, a family of membranolytic peptides from cytoplasmic granules of Entamoeba histolytica: isolation, primary structure, and pore formation in bacterial cytoplasmic membranes.

Three peptides with pore-forming activity were isolated from the cytoplasmic granules of pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica by acidic extraction, gel filtration and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Partial amino acid sequence analysis of the three active peptides revealed that the most abundant of them was amoebapore and the other two were isoforms thereof. Cloning and sequencing of genomic DNA resolved the amino acid sequence of the two newly recognized peptides. The three peptides designated amoebapores A, B and C were found to have the same molecular size but to differ markedly in their primary structure, although all six cysteine residues are conserved. Despite sequence divergence, structural implications predict for the three peptides a similar amphipathic alpha-helical conformation stabilized by disulphide bonds. All three isoforms exhibit pore-forming activity toward lipid vesicles, but they differ in their kinetics. They also are capable of perturbing the integrity of bacterial cytoplasmic membranes and thereby kill Gram-positive bacteria. The amoebapores represent a distinct family of membrane-active peptides that may function intracellularly as antimicrobial agents but may also confer cytolytic activity on the parasite.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[The homology of the primary structure of the third cytoplasmic domains in rhodopsin-type receptors and of the cytoplasmic tail in the beta-subunit of the insulin receptor].

In the last years evidence has been provided that along with the main mechanism of insulin signal transduction, that involves the ligand-induced tyrosine kinase cascade mediating the majority of biological effects of insulin, there is another signalling mechanism involving the heterotrimeric G-proteins. To detect the regions of amino acid sequences (AAS), responsible for interaction between the insulin receptor (IR) and G-proteins, a comparative analysis was carried out of the primary structure of third cytoplasmic domains (CD3) of rhodopsin-related receptors (RRR) determining RRR coupling to G-proteins, and of the primary structure of the cytoplasmic tail of IR beta-subunit. It is shown that AAS of juxtamembrane, ATP-binding and C-terminal domains of IR include long regions, homologous to the regions of RRR CD3, which are functionally important for coupling with G-proteins. AAS alignment of homologous RRR CD3 and beta-subunit of IR regions was made. It is found that the clusters of basic amino acids (e.g. forming BBXXB-motifs) and serine residues, located in RRR, coincide with similar amino acids present in IR primary structure. It is known that: 1) the BBXXB-motifs participate in the interaction with G-protein molecules, and 2) serine residues, the targets for phosphorylation by protein kinases, are included in regulation of hormonal signalling for both the receptor types. So, in the primary structure of IR beta-subunit, the regions were identified, which can be molecular determinants included in specific interaction with G-proteins of different types.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The pseudorabies virus Us2 protein, a virion tegument component, is prenylated in infected cells.

The Us2 gene is conserved among alphaherpesviruses, but its function is not known. We demonstrate here that the pseudorabies virus (PRV) Us2 protein is synthesized early after infection and localizes to cytoplasmic vesicles and to the plasma membrane, despite the lack of a recognizable signal sequence or membrane-spanning domain. Us2 protein is also packaged as part of the tegument of mature virions. The Us2 carboxy-terminal four amino acids comprise a CAAX motif, a well-characterized signal for protein prenylation. Treatment of infected cells with lovastatin, a drug that disrupts protein prenylation, changed the relative electrophoretic mobility of Us2 in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. In addition, lovastatin treatment caused a dramatic relocalization of Us2 to cytoplasmic punctate structures associated with microtubules, which appeared to concentrate over the microtubule organizing center. When the CAAX motif was changed to GAAX and the mutant protein was synthesized from an expression plasmid, it concentrated in punctate cytoplasmic structures reminiscent of Us2 localization in infected cells treated with lovastatin. We suggest that prenylation of PRV Us2 protein is required for proper membrane association. Curiously, the Us2 protein isolated from purified virions does not appear to be prenylated. This is the first report to describe the prenylation of an alphaherpesvirus protein.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Advances in Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Sugar Beet from Mitochondrial Genome Structural Dynamics and Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Coordination.

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a globally important sugar crop whose hybrid breeding system relies heavily on cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) lines. Recent advances in sugar beet genomics, particularly the release of high-quality reference genomes and the characterization of organellar genomes, have provided a foundation for elucidating the molecular genetic mechanisms of CMS. Furthermore, innovations in gene editing technologies are enabling transformative functional studies in this field. The precise targeting of CMS-associated mitochondrial genes and nuclear restorer-of-fertility genes not only allows for direct investigation of theoretical models governing fertility regulation through nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions but also holds promise for the targeted development of sterile and restorer lines. This review systematically summarizes progresses in sugar beet genomics, the development of gene editing tools, and the current understanding of the molecular genetics of CMS and fertility restoration in sugar beet. Although challenges remain-such as efficient delivery of editing tools into mitochondria and coordinated editing of multiple genes-the integration of genomic and gene editing technologies is expected to accelerate multi-omics-guided dissection of CMS mechanisms. These advances will facilitate the precise design of high-yield, high-sugar, and stress-resistant sugar beet hybrids, thereby providing core scientific and technological support for the sustainable development of the global sugar industry.

Beta vulgaris↗

Localization of viral structural proteins in the cytoplasm and nucleus of Rous-associated virus-2-infected chicken embryo fibroblasts.

The cellular location of viral structural proteins was carried out by immunohistochemistry and by cell fractionation. Antibody against the structural protein p27 was used in immunohistochemical reactions to demonstrate the presence of viral proteins in the cytoplasm and nucleus of Rous-associated virus 2-infected chicken cells. Localization in the nucleus was found over heterochromatic regions; in the cytoplasm it was found in discrete particulate structures. These observations were extended in cell fractionation studies in which cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions were immunoprecipitated with antibody against the viral structural proteins.

Animals↗

Membrane-mediated structural transitions at the cytoplasmic face during integrin activation.

Cytoplasmic face-mediated integrin inside-out activation remains a paradigm in transmembrane signal transduction. Emerging evidence suggests that this process involves dissociation of the complex between the integrin cytoplasmic tails; however, a dynamic image of how it occurs on the membrane surface remains elusive. We show here that, whereas membrane-proximal helices of integrin alpha/beta cytoplasmic tails associate in cytoplasm-like aqueous medium, they become partially embedded into membrane-mimetic micelles when unclasped. Membrane embedding induces substantial structural changes of the cytoplasmic tails as compared to their aqueous conformations and suggests there may be an upward movement of the membrane-proximal helices into the membrane during their separation. We further demonstrate that the beta3 tail exhibits additional membrane binding site at its C terminus containing the NPLY motif. Talin, a key intracellular integrin activator, recognizes this site as well as the membrane-proximal helix, thereby promoting cytoplasmic tail separation along the membrane surface. These data provide a structural basis of membrane-mediated changes at the cytoplasmic face in regulating integrin activation and signaling.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cytoplasmic droplets are normal structures of human sperm but are not well preserved by routine procedures for assessing sperm morphology.

BACKGROUND: There is a discrepancy between the use of terminology employed by clinicians and basic scientists concerning the cytoplasmic droplets of sperm. Most clinicians consider their presence on sperm to be indicative of abnormal sperm, whereas basic scientists consider them to be attributes of normal sperm. METHODS: The presence of cytoplasmic droplets on human sperm was examined using conventional air-dried, fixed and stained sperm smears and in living and fixed wet preparations. RESULTS: Cytoplasmic droplets were found on the majority of motile sperm and in fixed preparations but only half of them were found in air-dried smears. There was no relationship between the presence of abnormally large cytoplasmic droplets, indicative of abnormal sperm, and the droplets found on living cells. CONCLUSION: The term 'cytoplasmic droplet' is confusingly used to describe two different sperm structures: large amounts of retained, excessive cytoplasmic remnants, that survive the air-drying procedure and are observed on abnormal sperm in conventionally stained sperm smears, and osmotically sensitive vesicles that are present on normal living sperm. A plea is made to retain the term 'cytoplasmic droplet' for the latter structure of normal sperm and to use the term 'excess residual cytoplasm' to describe the abnormally retained cytoplasm observed on abnormal sperm in smears.

Air↗

The primary structure of the major cytoplasmic valine tRNA of mouse myeloma cells.

This paper describes the derivation of the primary structure of the major valine tRNA in the cytoplasm of mouse myeloma cells. Approximately 75% of the nucleotide sequence of this tRNA is also shared by the tRNA1-Val of yeast, this homology serving as a further indication of the extreme conservation of the structures of the tRNAs of different eukaryotic organisms. A novel feature of mouse myeloma tRNA1-Val is its loop IV sequence: -U-PSI-C-G-M1A-A-A-. This particular loop IV sequence has not previously been found in a tRNA structure. In addition, tRNA1-Val possesses some unusual nucleoside modifications. 5-Methyluridine (T) was not found to occur within loop IV of this tRNA, although this minor nucleoside is also absent from certain other mammalian tRNAs. Only one other tRNA, mammalian tRNAf-Met, has been found to possess 2-methylguanosine (m2G) in the position between the (b) and (c) stems of the cloverleaf. Numerous tRNAs have m2-2G in this location, and it would appear that the second methylation of this guanosine is characteristically absent from certain mammalian tRNA species.

Animals↗

Structure of the conserved cytoplasmic C-terminal domain of occludin: identification of the ZO-1 binding surface.

Occludin is a transmembrane protein localized at tight junctions whose functions are complex yet poorly understood. Current evidence supports a role for occludin in both the formation of the paracellular barrier and in cell signaling. While the N-terminal extracellular domains of occludin mediate homotypic adhesion, the distal C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of occludin controls protein targeting and endocytosis. The C terminus can also bind to the scaffolding proteins ZO-1, ZO-2, ZO-3, cingulin, the membrane trafficking protein VAP33, and the cytoskeletal protein F-actin, suggesting an important role for this domain. This domain is highly homologous to an important functional domain in the C terminus of the ELL family of RNA polymerase II transcription factors. To explore the function of occludin, we determined the high-resolution crystal structure of its C-terminal distal cytoplasmic domain. The structure comprises three helices that form two separate anti-parallel coiled-coils and a loop that packs tightly against one of the coiled-coils. Using in vitro binding studies and site-directed mutagenesis, we have identified a large positively charged surface that contains the binding site for ZO-1, and this surface is required for proper localization of occludin to cell-cell junctions. On the basis of sequence conservation, we predict that occludin domains from different species and the C-terminal domain of the ELL transcription factors share a very similar structure. Our results provide a model to further test the function of occludin and its binding to other proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Drosophila melanogaster p24 genes have developmental, tissue-specific, and sex-specific expression patterns and functions.

Genes encoding members of the p24 family of intracellular trafficking proteins are present throughout animal and plant lineages. However, very little is known about p24 developmental, spatial, or sex-specific expression patterns or how localized expression affects function. We investigated these problems in Drosophila melanogaster, which contains nine genes encoding p24 proteins. One of these genes, logjam (loj), is expressed in the adult female nervous system and ovaries and is essential for oviposition. Nervous system-specific expression of loj, but not ovary-specific expression, rescues the behavioral defect of mutants. The Loj protein localizes to punctate structures in the cellular cytoplasm. These structures colocalize with a marker specific to the intermediate compartment and cis-Golgi, consistent with experimental evidence from other systems suggesting that p24 proteins function in intracellular transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi. Our findings reveal that Drosophila p24 transcripts are developmentally and tissue-specifically expressed. CG31787 is male-specifically expressed gene that is present during the larval, pupal, and adult stages. Female CG9053 mRNA is limited to the head, whereas males express this gene widely. Together, our studies provide experimental evidence indicating that some p24 genes have sex-specific expression patterns and tissue- and sex-limited functions.

Animals↗

Defective formation of the lamellar cytoplasm by neoplastic fibroblasts (L cells-transformed cells-cell attachment-contact inhibition-scanning electron microscopy-microcinematography).

Isolated cultures of mouse L-cells are similar to those of normal cells in showing contact inhibition of movement and topoinhibition of growth. In mixed cultures with untransformed mouse embryo fibroblasts, their parent strain, however, L cells are able to form colonies above the monolayer of normal fibroblasts, i.e., they have a property characteristic of transformed cells. Analysis of microcinematographic data suggests that the behavior of L cells in mixed cultures is a result of their defective attachment to the substratum. Scanning electron microscopy showed that attachment of a normal fibroblast was accompanied by the formation of a wide ring of flattened cytoplasm spread on the substratum (lamellar cytoplasm). This structure was observed to disintegrate in newly attached L cells. The structure of the lamellar cytoplasm remained abnormal in the fully spread L cells. The mean area of lamellar cytoplasm was 3- to 4-times less in L cells than in normal fibroblasts. It is suggested that deficient formation of lamellar cytoplasm may be the basis of the inability of L cells to interact normally with embryo fibroblasts.

Animals↗

Development of a structural model for the cytoplasmic domain of an integrin.

The cytoplasmic tails of integrin heterodimers play central roles in controlling the activation states of integrins and in transmitting intracellular signals. Despite their short length, no structure of any integrin cytoplasmic domain has been determined. Therefore, molecular models for the cytoplasmic domain of alpha(IIb)beta3, the major platelet integrin, were generated, including models for the individual cytoplasmic tails, the binary alphaIIb-calcium complex, and the ternary alphaIIb-beta3-calcium complex. Structural analysis of circular dichroism spectra were compiled with data obtained from short homologous sequences within crystallized proteins, and with secondary structural predictions to develop starting models for each subunit. These models were subjected to a series of energy minimization and molecular dynamic simulations to generate final models. AlphaIIb was predicted to be ordered at its N-terminus and its C-terminus could accommodate a cation in a multicoordinated complex. The structure of beta3 was dominated by a beta-turn at its NPXY motif (beta3 744-747). In docking of alphaIIb to different sites within beta3, the conformation of the beta3 juxta-transmembrane (beta3 716-721) was greatly altered. This region was confirmed to be a conformational 'hot-spot' by circular dichroism. The conformational flexibility of this juxta-transmembrane region, which is highly conserved amongst integrins, is ideally located to regulate signaling.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Solution 19F nuclear Overhauser effects in structural studies of the cytoplasmic domain of mammalian rhodopsin.

19F nuclear Overhauser effects (NOEs) between fluorine labels on the cytoplasmic domain of rhodopsin solubilized in detergent micelles are reported. Previously, high-resolution solution (19)F NMR spectra of fluorine-labeled rhodopsin in detergent micelles were described, demonstrating the applicability of this technique to studies of tertiary structure in the cytoplasmic domain. To quantitate tertiary contacts we have applied a transient one-dimensional difference NOE solution (19)F NMR experiment to this system, permitting assessment of proximities between fluorine labels specifically incorporated into different regions of the cytoplasmic face. Three dicysteine substitution mutants (Cys-140-Cys-316, Cys-65-Cys-316, and Cys-139-Cys-251) were labeled by attachment of the trifluoroethylthio group through a disulfide linkage. Each mutant rhodopsin was prepared (8-10 mg) in dodecylmaltoside and analyzed at 20 degrees C by solution (19)F NMR. Distinct chemical shifts were observed for all of the rhodopsin (19)F labels in the dark. An up-field shift of the Cys-316 resonance in the Cys-65-Cys-316 mutant suggests a close proximity between the two residues. When analyzed for (19)F-(19)F NOEs, a moderate negative enhancement was observed for the Cys-65-Cys-316 pair and a strong negative enhancement was observed for the Cys-139-Cys-251 pair, indicating proximity between these sites. No NOE enhancement was observed for the Cys-140-Cys-316 pair. These NOE effects demonstrate a solution (19)F NMR method for analysis of tertiary contacts in high molecular weight proteins, including membrane proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Light-driven activation of beta 2-adrenergic receptor signaling by a chimeric rhodopsin containing the beta 2-adrenergic receptor cytoplasmic loops.

Structure-function studies of rhodopsin indicate that both intradiscal and transmembrane (TM) domains are required for retinal binding and subsequent light-induced structural changes in the cytoplasmic domain. Further, a hypothesis involving a common mechanism for activation of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) has been proposed. To test this hypothesis, chimeric receptors were required in which the cytoplasmic domains of rhodopsin were replaced with those of the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)-AR). Their preparation required identification of the boundaries between the TM domain of rhodopsin and the cytoplasmic domain of the beta(2)-AR necessary for formation of the rhodopsin chromophore and its activation by light and subsequent optimal activation of beta(2)-AR signaling. Chimeric receptors were constructed in which the cytoplasmic loops of rhodopsin were replaced one at a time and in combination. In these replacements, size of the third cytoplasmic (EF) loop critically determined the extent of chromophore formation, its stability, and subsequent signal transduction specificity. All the EF loop replacements showed significant decreases in transducin activation, while only minor effects were observed by replacements of the CD and AB loops. Light-dependent activation of beta(2)-AR leading to Galphas signaling was observed only for the EF2 chimera, and its activation was further enhanced by replacements of the other loops. The results demonstrate coupling between light-induced conformational changes occurring in the transmembrane domain of rhodopsin and the cytoplasmic domain of the beta(2)-AR.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Release of enzymes of intermediary metabolism from permeabilized cells: further evidence in support of a structural organization of the cytoplasmic matrix.

Cultured BSC-1 cells were exposed to the mild ionic detergent, Brij 58, and the time course of the release of three enzymes of intermediary metabolism (lactate dehydrogenase, aldolase, and creatine phosphokinase) was determined spectrophotometrically. Their release correlates well with the overall decrease in structural complexity of the cytoplasmic matrix. However, each of the three enzymes tested has its own characteristic time-dependent release profile, a result suggesting enzyme-specific variability in their association with the cytomatrix. Cells lysed for 5 min in Brij 58 and then transferred to detergent-free glycolysis medium were able to produce lactate from glucose, an observation consistent with the idea that all enzymes of the glycolytic pathway remained in the cytomatrix. These observations are consistent with a structural rather than viscous organization of the cytoplasm and suggest that cytoplasmic components other than cytoskeletal filaments are able to form parafilamentous, metastable complexes.

Animals↗