Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “ACTIN”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 991 records · Page 55Linked to original sources

Actin antibodies. Preparation and characterization of antibodies specific for smooth-muscle actin isoforms.

We have determined the specificity of sera elicited by glutaraldehyde-stabilized bovine aortic actin. This modification induces a high titre of antibodies directed against the N-terminal (residues 1-39) and the C-terminal region of smooth-muscle actins. The crude antisera were purified on peptide (corresponding to the 1-9 or 1-8 N-terminal sequences of smooth-muscle isoactins)-polyacrylic-resin columns. By fractionating the antisera we obtained oligoclonal antibody populations specific for each isoactin.

Actins↗

Kinetic heterogeneity of F-actin polymers. Further evidence that the elongation reaction may occur through condensation of the actin filaments with small aggregates.

We have shown that F-actin, polymerized in 50 mM-KCl at 20 degrees C and pH 8.0, can be resolved by centrifugation into two polymer populations, which differ morphologically as well as kinetically. The first population represents about 10% of the overall polymer and is composed of small amorphous aggregates. It rapidly exchanges the bound nucleotide with free ATP in the medium, either directly or through the monomers. The second population is composed of long actin filaments. These are labelled by free ATP in the medium only through condensation with labelled small amorphous aggregates.

Actins↗

Differential distribution of the tight-junction-associated protein ZO-1 isoforms alpha+ and alpha- in guinea pig Sertoli cells: a possible association with F-actin and G-actin.

To elucidate the significance of alpha- and alpha+ isoforms of the tight-junction-associated protein ZO-1 in Sertoli cell tight junction regulation, taking into consideration that different isoforms are expressed in cells with different junctional morphologies, we investigated whether alpha- and alpha+ are differentially associated with junctions forming the continuous occluding zonules responsible for the blood-testis barrier, and/or with junctions forming the focal discontinuous occluding zonules. In addition, since Sertoli cells contact Sertoli cells and germ cells, we investigated whether each isoform is differentially associated with distinct classes of germ cells. Our immunoblot analyses of isolated seminiferous tubules, using affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies recognizing rat and human alpha- and alpha+, showed that guinea pig testis contained the two ZO-1 isoforms initially described in rat and human kidneys, and that alpha+ and alpha- were predominantly expressed during puberty and adulthood, respectively, indicating that alpha+ was predominant during periods of increased junction assembly/disassembly. We used the same antibodies and immunoperoxidase labeling on fetal, neonatal, pubertal, and adult guinea pig testes sections. Both isoforms were expressed at the site of Sertoli cell-Sertoli cell and Sertoli cell-germ cell junctions in the seminiferous epithelium, before and after birth, and both were localized in continuous and in discontinuous tight junctions. However, the distribution of alpha- and alpha+ was not the same in different locations of the tight junctions. Only alpha- was incorporated into junctions joining the Sertoli cells to all classes of germ cells. The alpha+ involved junctions joining Sertoli cells to particular classes of germ cells, suggesting that Sertoli cell expression of ZO-1 isoforms could be regulated by unique germ cell-Sertoli cell contacts. Conversely, we found a correspondence between the distribution of F-actin and ZO-1alpha+, indicating that the spatial organization of the subsurface actin accompanying cell junctions may affect alpha+/alpha(-)-plasma membrane association.

Actins↗

Distribution of myosin, actin and actin-binding protein in thrombasthenic platelets.

The quantity of myosin, actin, and actin-binding protein (ABP) in platelets and platelet fractions of 5 patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia were compared to those of normal individuals. No significant differences were observed between the average amounts of these contractile proteins in unfractionated platelets or platelet membrane obtained after osmotic shock. However, the amount of myosin was significantly decreased in the KCl extract of thrombasthenic platelets ruptured by freezing and thawing,while its specific ATPase activity was increased.

Actins↗

A new fixative for the preservation of actin filaments: fixation of pure actin filament pellets.

Conventional fixation for thin-section microscopy is insufficient to preserve many elements of cells and tissues. Actin filaments, for example, are destroyed during post-fixation in OsO4. In our search for a better fixative, we chose pellets of pure actin filaments as a very sensitive model system. In the present study, the potential of amines for improving aldehyde fixation was explored, and the results were compared to those obtained with the use of tannic acid. Aldehyde and amine were used together as an initial fixative, followed by aldehyde alone with postfixation in 1% OsO4 in buffer at 4 degrees C for 15 min, uranyl acetate en bloc stain, acetone dehydration, and embedding in Epox 812. Some primary monoamines improved the preservation of filaments; filaments were not broken beyond recognition by OsO4, as occurs when glutaraldehyde alone is used. Excellent preservation was seen when certain primary diamines were used. The quality of this fixation was superior to that obtained with tannic acid and was without the large increase in filament diameter that is seen with concentrations of tannic acid sufficient to protect filaments against osmium damage. The effects on filaments of the amines lysine, putrescine, ammonium, and arginine have been documented in detail, as we systematically varied all the major parameters normally considered in formulating fixation protocols.

Actins↗

Bacillus subtilis actin-like protein MreB influences the positioning of the replication machinery and requires membrane proteins MreC/D and other actin-like proteins for proper localization.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial actin-like proteins have been shown to perform essential functions in several aspects of cellular physiology. They affect cell growth, cell shape, chromosome segregation and polar localization of proteins, and localize as helical filaments underneath the cell membrane. Bacillus subtilis MreB and Mbl have been shown to perform dynamic motor like movements within cells, extending along helical tracks in a time scale of few seconds. RESULTS: In this work, we show that Bacillus subtilis MreB has a dual role, both in the formation of rod cell shape, and in chromosome segregation, however, its function in cell shape is distinct from that of MreC. Additionally, MreB is important for the localization of the replication machinery to the cell centre, which becomes aberrant soon after depletion of MreB. 3D image reconstructions suggest that frequently, MreB filaments consist of several discontinuous helical filaments with varying length. The localization of MreB was abnormal in cells with decondensed chromosomes, as well as during depletion of Mbl, MreBH and of the MreC/MreD proteins, which we show localize to the cell membrane. Thus, proper positioning of MreB filaments depends on and is affected by a variety of factors in the cell. CONCLUSION: Our data provide genetic and cytological links between MreB and the membrane, as well as with other actin like proteins, and further supports the connection of MreB with the chromosome. The functional dependence on MreB of the localization of the replication machinery suggests that the replisome is not anchored at the cell centre, but is positioned in a dynamic manner.

Actins↗

Molecular biology of actin binding proteins: evidence for a common structural domain in the F-actin binding sites of gelsolin and alpha-actinin.

We review the impact of molecular biology on actin binding proteins, in particular on sequence relationships and expression of clones to dissect properties in vitro. Significant homologies exist between proteins in each class, but we propose, in addition, that common structural features exist between the F-actin binding sites of severing and cross-linking proteins.

Actinin↗

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein regulates nuclear translocation of NFAT2 and NF-kappa B (RelA) independently of its role in filamentous actin polymerization and actin cytoskeletal rearrangement.

Effector functions mediated by NK cells involve cytotoxicity and transcription-dependent production and release of cytokines and chemokines. Although the JAK/STAT pathway mediates lymphokine-induced transcriptional regulation in NK cells, very little is known about transcriptional regulation induced during cell-cell contact. We demonstrate that the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) is an important component for integration of signals leading to nuclear translocation of NFAT2 and NF-kappaB (RelA) during cell-cell contact and NKp46-dependent signaling. This WASp function is independent of its known role in F-actin polymerization and cytoskeletal rearrangement. Absence of WASp results in decreased accumulation of calcineurin, WASp-interacting protein, and molecules upstream of calcium mobilization, i.e., activated ZAP70 and phospholipase C-gamma1, in the disorganized NK cell immune synapse. Production of GM-CSF, but not IFN-gamma, is decreased, while natural cytotoxicity of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome-NK cells is maintained. Our results indicate that WASp independently regulates its dual functions, i.e., actin cytoskeletal remodeling and transcription in NK cells.

Actins↗

Fluorescence polarization study on Ca2+-sensitivity of conformational changes in F-actin induced by the formation of F-actin-subfragment-1 complex.

Ca2+-dependent conformational changes in F-actin during myosin subfragment-1 binding with thin filament (in the absence of troponin and tropomyosin) were found in myosin-free ghost fibres by polarized UV microscopy. The pattern of the conformational changes in F-actin changed cooperatively within the range of free Ca2+ concentrations from 10(-7) mol/l to 10(-6) mol/l. It should be suggested that in skeletal muscle of vertebrates there exists a myosin-linked modulation of contraction by Ca2+.

Actins↗

Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic data of chicken gizzard G-actin . DNase I complex and Physarum G-actin . DNase I complex.

Smooth muscle G-actin from chicken gizzard and Physarum plasmodium G-actin both interact with DNase I and form 1 : 1 complexes. These complexes were crystallized by using polyethylene glycol 6000 as a precipitant. Both crystals belong to the same orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1). The cell dimensions of chicken gizzard G-actin.DNase I complex are a=42.00 +/- 0.07 A, b=225.3 +/- 0.4 A, and c=77.4 +/- 0.1 A, while those of Physarum G-actin.DNase I complex are a=42 A, b=221 A, and c=77 A.

Actins↗

Actin, myosin and actin-binding protein in lymphoid cells from human normal and leukemic cell lines.

Actin, myosin and actin-binding protein have been identified in lymphoid cell lines of Null, B or T type of normal and malignant origin. The cells were fractionated into cytosol (Fraction 1), high KC1 extract (Fraction 2) and mainly membrane (Fraction 3). The distribution of the three contractile proteins and the ATPase activities of myosin and actomyosin in B lymphoblastoid normal and B-lymphoma malignant cell lines. Actomyosin-ATPase activity in the normal B line was much higher than it was in the Null B or T malignant lines examined. These results agree with the assumption that malignant transformation is accompanied by an impairment of the action of contractile proteins that leads to a decrease in motility.

Actins↗

Effect of Ca2+ on conformation of actin in the F-actin--heavy meromyosin complex.

The polarized fluorescence of intrinsic tryptophan residues and the birefringence of ghost muscle fibres of rabbit were measured during thin filaments binding to heavy meromyosin containing 5,5'-dithiobis [2-nitrobenzoic acid] light chains and to those devoid of them with a view of investigating conformational changes in F-actin. Ca2+ binding to heavy meromyosin containing 5,5'-dithiobis [2-nitrobenzoic acid] light chains was shown to affect the character of these changes during the formation of the F-actin - heavy meromyosin complex.

Actins↗

Analogs of phalloidin. D-Abu2-Lys7-phalloin, an F-actin binding analog, its rhodamine conjugate (RLP) a novel fluorescent F-actin-probe, and D-Ala2-Leu7-phalloin, an inert peptide.

The analogs [D-Abu2-Lys7]-phalloin (1) and [D-Ala2-Leu7]-phalloin (2) are obtained by cyclization of the monocyclic thioether peptides 5 and 7 with DCCI and diphenylphosphoro-azidate respectively. For the synthesis of 5 and 7 an intramolecular Savige-Fontana reaction of the linear heptapeptide tert.-butylesters 4 and 6 is applied. On treatment in dilute solution with TFA the classically synthesized peptides 4 and 6 lose their N-terminal Boc groups thus giving rise to the reaction of the Hpi residues with the released cysteine SH-groups. The lysine analog 1 binds to F-actin with an association constant of 1.3 X 10(-6) M whereas analog 2 exhibits practically no affinity. By reaction of 1 with tetramethyl-rhodaminyl-isothiocyanate a fluorescent derivative, rhodaminyl-lysine-phallotoxin (RLP), is obtained as a novel fluorescent probe for the visualization of F-actin in cell preparations.

Actins↗

The photosensitivity dermatitis and actinic reticuloid syndrome (chronic actinic dermatitis) occurring in seven young atopic dermatitis patients.

Seven young patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) who presented with a marked photoexposed site dermatitis have been investigated in detail. The results of phototesting, patch testing and other investigations were compatible with the diagnosis of photosensitivity dermatitis/actinic reticuloid syndrome (PD/AR) (chronic actinic dermatitis). It is known that AD patients may have photoaggravation of their dermatitis or exacerbation secondary to a photodermatosis, such as polymorphic light eruption, actinic prurigo or drug-induced phototoxicity. The patients we describe, however, appear to be an uncommon AD subgroup affected by PD/AR. We recommend that all AD patients who have a history of sunlight-induced exacerbation or marked intolerance of PUVA or ultraviolet B phototherapy should have phototesting and patch testing conducted.

Adult↗

Actin-myosin interaction: inhibition of the myosin adenosine triphosphatase by actin.

In the absence of magnesium ion, the addition of actin to myosin in a 1 :4 ratio has a strong inhibitory effect on the adenosine triphosphatase activity, in contrast to the well-known activating effect of actin in the presence of magnesium ion. This finding suggests that both effects result from a conformational change in the active site of the myosin adenosine triphosphatase.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Photosensitivity dermatitis and actinic reticuloid syndrome (chronic actinic dermatitis).

The photosensitivity dermatitis and actinic reticuloid syndrome (chronic actinic dermatitis) is a common eczematous photodermatosis of unknown aetiology that in severe form is an extremely disabling condition. It is unclear why males are particularly affected. Difficulties in diagnosis arise in patients who have perennial problems in whom clinical photosensitivity may not be volunteered. An additional problem for the clinician is the finding of contact allergy that is frequently multiple, which further complicates the clinical picture that may, in severe cases, present as an erythroderma or a pseudolymphomatous state. Patch testing and phototesting are the key investigations, with broad ultraviolet (UV) waveband sensitivity occurring as a dermatitis rather than a sunburn response. Contact allergy recognition and avoidance, along with photoprotective measures, are helpful in most cases. Photochemotherapy (PUVA) and systemic immunosuppression may be required in those patients who fail to respond. In some cases, spontaneous resolution follows after a number of years.

Chronic Disease↗

Ca2+-independent F-actin capping proteins. Cap 32/34, a capping protein from Dictyostelium discoideum, does not share sequence homologies with known actin-binding proteins.

Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against purified 32/34-kDa F-actin-capping protein from Dictyostelium discoideum were generated and used to isolate clones coding for both subunits from a lambda gt11 expression library. In addition genomic clones were isolated for the 34-kDa subunit. The sequences of the corresponding inserts were determined and the amino acid sequences of the proteins deduced. The amino acid sequences have been confirmed by sequencing tryptic peptides of both subunits. As judged from immunological data and sequence comparison, the subunits are completely different. Each of them is encoded by a single copy gene. The mRNAs are present throughout all stages of development. Severing proteins, which exert also capping activity, show no sequence similarity with the cap 32/34-kDa protein. However, a pronounced homology between the 32-kDa subunit and a hypothetical yeast protein was found indicating the presence of a protein homologous to the 32-kDa subunit of the D. discoideum capping protein in yeast.

Actin Depolymerizing Factors↗

Purification of tropomyosin from bovine adrenal medulla and its inhibitory effect on the actin severing activity of adseverin (adrenal medulla 74 kDa actin severing protein).

Tropomyosin was purified from a gelation product produced in the crude extract of bovine adrenal medulla using several column chromatographies mixed with a boiling treatment. Purified tropomyosin was a mixture of major isoforms with low molecular weights and minor isoforms of high molecular weights. Purified tropomyosin showed a dose-dependent protective effect on actin filaments against the severing activity of adseverin derived from adrenal medulla, suggesting its important role in the regulation of cell shape and structure in vivo.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗