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Anisotropy of cell adhesive microenvironment governs cell internal organization and orientation of polarity.

Control of the establishment of cell polarity is an essential function in tissue morphogenesis and renewal that depends on spatial cues provided by the extracellular environment. The molecular role of cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) contacts on the establishment of cell polarity has been well characterized. It has been hypothesized that the geometry of the cell adhesive microenvironment was directing cell surface polarization and internal organization. To define how the extracellular environment affects cell polarity, we analyzed the organization of individual cells plated on defined micropatterned substrates imposing cells to spread on various combinations of adhesive and nonadhesive areas. The reproducible normalization effect on overall cell compartmentalization enabled quantification of the spatial organization of the actin network and associated proteins, the spatial distribution of microtubules, and the positioning of nucleus, centrosome, and Golgi apparatus. By using specific micropatterns and statistical analysis of cell compartment positions, we demonstrated that ECM geometry determines the orientation of cell polarity axes. The nucleus-centrosome orientations were reproducibly directed toward cell adhesive edges. The anisotropy of the cell cortex in response to the adhesive conditions did not affect the centrosome positioning at the cell centroid. Based on the quantification of microtubule plus end distribution we propose a working model that accounts for that observation. We conclude that, in addition to molecular composition and mechanical properties, ECM geometry plays a key role in developmental processes.

Anisotropy↗

Calcium microdomains in mitochondria and nucleus.

Endomembranes modify the progression of the cytosolic Ca(2+) wave and contribute to generate Ca(2+) microdomains, both in the cytosol and inside the own organella. The concentration of Ca(2+) in the cytosol ([Ca(2+)](C)), the mitochondria ([Ca(2+)](M)) and the nucleus ([Ca(2+)](N)) are similar at rest, but may become very different during cell activation. Mitochondria avidly take up Ca(2+) from the high [Ca(2+)](C) microdomains generated during cell activation near Ca(2+) channels of the plasma membrane and/or the endomembranes and prevent propagation of the high Ca(2+) signal to the bulk cytosol. This shaping of [Ca(2+)](C) signaling is essential for independent regulation of compartmentalized cell functions. On the other hand, a high [Ca(2+)](M) signal is generated selectively in the mitochondria close to the active areas, which tunes up respiration to the increased local needs. The progression of the [Ca(2+)](C) signal to the nucleus may be dampened by mitochondria, the nuclear envelope or higher buffering power inside the nucleoplasm. On the other hand, selective [Ca(2+)](N) signals could be generated by direct release of stored Ca(2+) into the nucleoplasm. Ca(2+) release could even be restricted to subnuclear domains. Putative Ca(2+) stores include the nuclear envelope, their invaginations inside the nucleoplasm (nucleoplasmic reticulum) and nuclear microvesicles. Inositol trisphosphate, cyclic ADP-ribose and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate have all been reported to produce release of Ca(2+) into the nucleoplasm, but contribution of these mechanisms under physiological conditions is still uncertain.

Animals↗

Sorting of metabolic pathway flux by the plasma membrane in cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells.

We used beta-escin-permeabilized pig cerebral microvessels (PCMV) to study the organization of carbohydrate metabolism in the cytoplasm of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells. We have previously demonstrated (Lloyd PG and Hardin CD. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 277: C1250-C1262, 1999) that intact PCMV metabolize the glycolytic intermediate [1-(13)C]fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) to [1-(13)C]glucose with negligible production of [3-(13)C]lactate, while simultaneously metabolizing [2-(13)C]glucose to [2-(13)C]lactate. Thus gluconeogenic and glycolytic intermediates do not mix freely in intact VSM cells (compartmentation). Permeabilized PCMV retained the ability to metabolize [2-(13)C]glucose to [2-(13)C]lactate and to metabolize [1-(13)C]FBP to [1-(13)C]glucose. The continued existence of glycolytic and gluconeogenic activity in permeabilized cells suggests that the intermediates of these pathways are channeled (directly transferred) between enzymes. Both glycolytic and gluconeogenic flux in permeabilized PCMV were sensitive to the presence of exogenous ATP and NAD. It was most interesting that a major product of [1-(13)C]FBP metabolism in permeabilized PCMV was [3-(13)C]lactate, in direct contrast to our previous findings in intact PCMV. Thus disruption of the plasma membrane altered the distribution of substrates between the glycolytic and gluconeogenic pathways. These data suggest that organization of the plasma membrane into distinct microdomains plays an important role in sorting intermediates between the glycolytic and gluconeogenic pathways in intact cells.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Expression of compartmentation antigen zebrin I in cerebellar transplants.

The mammalian cerebellum is divided into multiple parasagittal compartments as defined by the organization of afferent and efferent projections and by the pattern of expression of several biochemical markers. One such marker is the antigen zebrin I, a 120 kD polypeptide of unknown function that is expressed differentially by a subset of Purkinje cells. Zebrin I+ Purkinje cells are grouped into an array of 14 parasagittal bands interposed by zebrin I- compartments. This Purkinje cell compartmentation corresponds to compartments in the olivocerebellar projection. The afferent axon compartments are present prior to the expression of the mature zebrin I phenotype, thus raising the possibility that differential afferent input regulates the zebrin I phenotype of the target of that input. Lesion studies in the neonate preclude a role for afferent inputs in the regulation of zebrin I expression postnatally, but a prenatal role in commitment still remains open. To explore this possibility, cerebellar anlagen were dissected from embryos at embryonic days 12-15, that is, prior to any contact with afferents, and transplanted ectopically into adult hosts. In the first series of experiments, the grafts were placed into the anterior chamber of the eye, and in the second series, into cavities prepared in the neocortex. Grafts were allowed to mature and then were immunoperoxidase or immunofluorescence stained for zebrin I immunoreactivity. Zebrin I was expressed by grafted Purkinje cells in cortico and in oculo. Double-labelling experiments confirmed that both the zebrin I+ and the zebrin I- phenotypes were present. The zebrin I immunoreactivity revealed that the zebrin I+ Purkinje cells resemble those in situ with an extensive dendritic arborization that extends through the molecular layer perpendicular to the long axes of the folia. In conclusion, the present data suggest that afferent input does not play a role in the determination of the zebrin I phenotype of Purkinje cells.

Animals↗

Effect of subcutaneous pancreatic tissue transplants on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. I. Morphological studies on normal, diabetic and transplanted pancreatic tissues.

The present study examines the morphological changes occurring in subcutaneous pancreatic tissue grafts (SPTG) and its effect on the host pancreatic islet cells in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats using morphological techniques. SPTG survived after 15 weeks of transplantation. Its acinar cells degenerated but the ducts and endocrine cells survived. The surviving and newly formed pancreatic tubules and endocrine cells filled the spaces left by degenerated acinar cells. Compartmentalization of the surviving parenchymatic tissues was observed, with the pancreatic tubules lying in the periphery of the graft and the endocrine tissue in the inner portion of the graft. Lymphocytes invaded the inner portion of the graft, conglomerating around endocrine cells. It was interesting, however, that, lymphocytes where not observed in the periphery of the grafts where most of the surviving pancreatic tubules lie. In addition to this, necrotic tissues were observed in the inner part of the graft. Fifteen weeks after transplantation into the subcutaneous region, insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide-immunoreactive cells were observed in many parts of the graft. In the peripheral parts of the grafts, large numbers of pancreatic tubules differentiated into endocrine cells. In conclusion, the ductal and endocrine cells of pancreatic tissue fragments survived in the subcutaneous region of rat with normal pattern of distribution.

Animals↗

CXCL13 is required for B1 cell homing, natural antibody production, and body cavity immunity.

B1 cells are a predominant cell type in body cavities and an important source of natural antibody. Here we report that in mice lacking the chemokine, CXCL13, B1 cells are deficient in peritoneal and pleural cavities but not in spleen. CXCL13 is produced by cells in the omentum and by peritoneal macrophages, and in adoptive transfers, B1 cells home to the omentum and the peritoneal cavity in a CXCL13-dependent manner. CXCL13(-/-) mice are deficient in preexisting phosphorylcholine (PC)-specific antibodies and in their ability to mount an anti-PC response to peritoneal streptococcal antigen. These findings provide insight into the mechanism of B1 cell homing and establish a critical role for B1 cell compartmentalization in the production of natural antibodies and for body cavity immunity.

Animals↗

Comparison of the morphological and electrotonic properties of Renshaw cells, Ia inhibitory interneurons, and motoneurons in the cat.

The morphological and electrotonic properties of 4 motoneurons, 8 Ia inhibitory interneurons, and 4 Renshaw cells were compared. The morphological analysis, based on 3-D reconstructions of the cells, revealed that dendrites of motoneurons are longer and more extensively branched. Renshaw cells have dendrites that are shorter and simpler in structure. Dendrites of Ia inhibitory interneurons could be as long as those of motoneurons but the branching structure resembled that of Renshaw cells. Compartmental models were used to determine the electrotonic properties of the paths from each dendritic terminal to the soma. The attenuations of steady-state voltage changes in motoneurons were 3 and 7 times larger than in Ia inhibitory interneurons and Renshaw cells, respectively. The same relative order was observed for current attenuation and electrotonic length. The dendritic input resistances in Renshaw cells were 2 and 4 times larger than in Ia inhibitory interneurons and motoneurons, respectively. The difference in these electrotonic properties increased during higher synaptic activity as modeled by a decrease of Rm. The peak amplitudes of voltage transients at sites of brief, synaptic-like changes in conductance were highly dependent on cell class and were largest in Renshaw cells and smallest in motoneurons. In combination with class-specific differences in the attenuation of transient voltage signals, this led to large differences in the peak amplitudes of somatic voltage transients. Differences in the rise times and half-widths of the voltage transients were observed as well. Thus, based on passive properties, each cell class has a unique set of input/output properties.

Animals↗

Noradrenergic sympathetic innervation of the spleen: III. Development of innervation in the rat spleen.

The ontogeny of noradrenergic innervation and its compartmental development were studied in the rat spleen using glyoxylic acid histofluorescence and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Noradrenergic nerves were present at birth in bundles adjacent to the splenic artery and vein. On days 1-3, fluorescent profiles largely were associated with the vasculature and with the perivascular zone. By day 6, these fibers formed increasingly elaborate and tortuous plexuses around the central arteries and their branches. By day 10, fibers were present along the marginal sinus and extended into the developing marginal zone. Between day 10 and day 13 the largest increase in norepinephrine (NE) levels (per mg protein) were noted, and the periarteriolar lymphatic sheath (PALS) achieved its adult form, with increased innervation of the parenchyma. In contrast, the venous/trabecular system developed relatively late. The first trabecular fibers were evident at day 10, and the capsule was not innervated until day 13. From 13 days to adulthood, there was a gradual refinement and extension of existing patterns with no change in NE levels as measured by HPLC (per mg protein), suggesting that the innervation was keeping pace with rapid increases in spleen growth. The pattern of growth and development for noradrenergic nerves in the PALS remarkably parallels changes in T cell compartmentation during this period. We propose that norepinephrine is available for interaction with T cells at the earliest stages of development and could play a role in such processes as lymphocyte packing and the onset of immunocompetence.

Aging↗

Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma: high frequency of BCL-6 mutations and consistent expression of the transcription factors OCT-2, BOB.1, and PU.1 in the absence of immunoglobulins.

Although primary mediastinal (thymic) large B-cell lymphoma has been primarily studied, its precise phenotype, molecular characteristics, and histogenesis are still a matter of debate. The International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group collected 137 such cases for extensive pathological review. Histologically, the lymphomatous growth was predominantly diffuse with fibrosis that induced compartmentalized cell aggregation. It consisted of large cells with varying degrees of nuclear polymorphism and clear to basophilic cytoplasm. On immunohistochemistry, the following phenotype was observed: CD45(+), CD20(+), CD79a(+), PAX5/BSAP(+), BOB.1(+), Oct-2(+), PU.1(+), Bcl-2(+), CD30(+), HLA-DR(+), MAL protein(+/-), Bcl-6(+/-), MUM1/IRF4(+/-), CD10(-/+), CD21(-), CD15(-), CD138(-), CD68(-), and CD3(-). Immunoglobulins were negative both at immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Molecular analysis, performed in 45 cases, showed novel findings. More than half of the cases displayed BCL-6 gene mutations, which usually occurred along with functioning somatic IgV(H) gene mutations and Bcl-6 and/or MUM1/IRF4 expression. The present study supports the concept that a sizable fraction of cases of this lymphoma are from activated germinal center or postgerminal center cells. However, it differs from other aggressive B-cell lymphomas in that it shows defective immunoglobulin production despite the expression of OCT-2, BOB.1, and PU.1 transcription factors and the lack of IgV(H) gene crippling mutations.

Antigens, CD↗

Compartmentation and equilibration of abscisic Acid in isolated xanthium cells.

The compartmentation of endogenous abscisic acid (ABA), applied (+/-)-[(3)H]ABA, and (+/-)-trans-ABA was measured in isolated mesophyll cells of the Chicago strain of Xanthium strumarium L. The release of ABA to the medium in the presence or absence of DMSO was used to determine the equilibration of ABA in the cells. It was found that a greater percentage of the (+/-)-[(3)H]ABA and the (+/-)-trans-ABA was released into the medium than of the endogenous ABA, indicating that applied ABA did not equilibrate with the endogenous material.Therefore, in further investigations only the compartmentation of endogenous ABA was studied. Endogenous ABA was released from Xanthium cells according to the pH gradients among the various cellular compartments. Thus, darkness, high external pH, KNO(2), and droughtstress all increased the efflux of ABA from the cells. Efflux of ABA from the cells in the presence of 0.6 m mannitol occurred within 30 seconds, but only 8% of the endogenous material was released during the 20 minute treatment.

Journal Article↗

Differential modulation of the expression of axonal proteins by non-neuronal cells of the peripheral and central nervous system.

Axonal behavior during the formation of the neuronal network of the nervous system has been shown to be under environmental control. Hence, as a first step in a project aiming to elucidate the molecular basis of axonal functions, we have identified axonal proteins whose synthesis is subject to environmentally induced changes. Neurons from chicken embryonic dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were grown in a compartmental cell culture system that allows selective examination of axonal proteins. Non-neuronal cells of the peripheral or central nervous system were co-cultured with the DRG axons. The axonal proteins expressed under these different environmental conditions were examined by metabolic labeling and two-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Computerized quantification revealed that 12 out of 400 axonal proteins responded to changes in the local axonal environment by a change in their relative abundance. Some proteins changed in response to both types of co-cultures whereas some changed specifically under the influence of either peripheral or central non-neuronal cells.

Animals↗

T helper, cytotoxic T lymphocyte, NK cell and NK-T cell subpopulations in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

The phenotype of intrahepatic (IHL) and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) was determined, and the production of cytokines by T lymphocytes analyzed in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Three-color fluorescence-activated cytometric analysis was done for 36 patients with untreated CHC. The percentage of peripheral blood memory T cells was higher in patients with CHC than in healthy controls (all data in %, significant at p < 0.001; 74.6 +/- 2.7 vs. 58.3 +/- 4.5), and a greater proportion of them were observed in the intrahepatic compartment (IHL-94.2 +/- 2.8 vs. PBL-74.6 +/- 2.7). There was a higher percentage of peripheral blood T helper 1 lymphocytes expressing IFN-gamma (IFN-gamma/IL-4) in these patients (4.6 +/- 0.7 vs. control-2.2 +/- 0.5). The expression of CXCR3 chemokine receptors on peripheral blood T helper cells was also high compared with the control (39.8 +/- 4.8 vs. 26.8 +/- 2.5) and a large percentage of T cells expressing CXCR3 or CCR5 chemokine receptors was observed in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected liver (CXCR3: IHL vs. PBL-74.9 +/- 5.7 vs. 39.8 +/- 4.8; CCR5: IHL vs. PBL-65.9 +/- 5.9 vs. 19.1 +/- 2.1). The intrahepatic compartment contains a greater proportion of activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer-T (NK-T) cells than peripheral blood (CTL: IHL vs. PBL-69.5 +/- 3.2 vs. 59.9 +/- 3.1; NK-T: IHL vs. PBL-10.6 +/- 2.5 vs. PBL: 3.99 +/- 0.5). The data suggest that in HCV-infected subjects, memory TH1 lymphocytes, activated CTL and NK-T cells compartmentalize in liver tissue and could play an important role in pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis.

Adult↗

Mapping the bacterial cell architecture into the chromosome.

A genome is not a simple collection of genes. We propose here that it can be viewed as being organized as a 'celluloculus' similar to the homunculus of preformists, but pertaining to the category of programmes (or algorithms) rather than to that of architectures or structures: a significant correlation exists between the distribution of genes along the chromosome and the physical architecture of the cell. We review here data supporting this observation, stressing physical constraints operating on the cell's architecture and dynamics, and their consequences in terms of gene and genome structure. If such a correlation exists, it derives from some selection pressure: simple and general physical principles acting at the level of the cell structure are discussed. As a first case in point we see the piling up of planar modules as a stable, entropy-driven, architectural principle that could be at the root of the coupling between the architecture of the cell and the location of genes at specific places in the chromosome. We propose that the specific organization of certain genes whose products have a general tendency to form easily planar modules is a general motor for architectural organization in the bacterial cell. A second mechanism, operating at the transcription level, is described that could account for the efficient building up of complex structures. As an organizing principle we suggest that exploration by biological polymers of the vast space of possible conformation states is constrained by anchoring points. In particular, we suggest that transcription does not always allow the 5'-end of the transcript to go free and explore the many conformations available, but that, in many cases, it remains linked to the transcribing RNA polymerase complex in such a way that loops of RNA, rather than threads with a free end, explore the surrounding medium. In bacteria, extension of the loops throughout the cytoplasm would therefore be mediated by the de novo synthesis of ribosomes in growing cells. Termination of transcription and mRNA turnover would accordingly be expected to be controlled by sequence features at both the 3'- and 5'-ends of the molecule. These concepts are discussed taking into account in vitro analysis of genome sequences and experimental data about cell compartmentalization, mRNA folding and turnover, as well as known structural features of protein and membrane complexes.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Segregation of heterotrimeric G proteins in cell surface microdomains. G(q) binds caveolin to concentrate in caveolae, whereas G(i) and G(s) target lipid rafts by default.

Select lipid-anchored proteins such as glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases may preferentially partition into sphingomyelin-rich and cholesterol-rich plasmalemmal microdomains, thereby acquiring resistance to detergent extraction. Two such domains, caveolae and lipid rafts, are morphologically and biochemically distinct, contain many signaling molecules, and may function in compartmentalizing cell surface signaling. Subfractionation and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy reveal that, in lung tissue and in cultured endothelial and epithelial cells, heterotrimeric G proteins (G(i), G(q), G(s), and G(betagamma)) target discrete cell surface microdomains. G(q) specifically concentrates in caveolae, whereas G(i) and G(s) concentrate much more in lipid rafts marked by GPI-anchored proteins (5' nucleotidase and folate receptor). G(q), apparently without G(betagamma) subunits, stably associates with plasmalemmal and cytosolic caveolin. G(i) and G(s) interact with G(betagamma) subunits but not caveolin. G(i) and G(s), unlike G(q), readily move out of caveolae. Thus, caveolin may function as a scaffold to trap, concentrate, and stabilize G(q) preferentially within caveolae over lipid rafts. In N2a cells lacking caveolae and caveolin, G(q), G(i), and G(s) all concentrate in lipid rafts as a complex with G(betagamma). Without effective physiological interaction with caveolin, G proteins tend by default to segregate in lipid rafts. The ramifications of the segregated microdomain distribution and the G(q)-caveolin complex without G(betagamma) for trafficking, signaling, and mechanotransduction are discussed.

Animals↗

Laminins alpha2 and alpha4 in pancreatic acinar basement membranes are required for basal receptor localization.

Basement membranes (BMs) are thin layers of extracellular matrix (ECM) found at the basal surface of many cell types, including epithelial cells. BMs present growth, differentiation, and anti-apoptotic signals and provide structural support to cells, compartmentalize tissues, and serve as filters. The structure and function of BMs depend on their complement of laminins, a family of alpha beta gamma heterotrimeric glycoproteins. We found that laminins containing the alpha2 and alpha4 chains are the major laminins in pancreatic acinar BMs. Importantly, these laminins were required for proper basal localization on acinar cells of two laminin receptors, dystroglycan and integrin alpha6beta4 .

Animals↗

Fine structural evaluation of altered Schmidt-Lanterman incisures in human sural nerve biopsies.

Fine structural alterations of Schmidt-Lanterman incisures (SLI) were investigated in a series of 242 unselected sural nerve biopsies that had been examined for diagnostic purposes. The series included cases with Friedreich's ataxia, HSAN I, HMSN I-III, HMSN VI, tomaculous neuropathy, metachromatic leukodystrophy, ceroidlipofuscinosis, dysproteinemic neuropathies, and myotonic dystrophy, in addition to several neuropathies less-specifically classified as either of a predominantly demyelinating, axonal, or neuronal type. The following classification of SLI alterations is proposed: (A) abnormal inclusions; (B) changes in shape and dimension; and (C) modes of disintegration. Abnormal inclusions comprised membranous whorls, uniform and pleomorphous lysosome-like bodies, and accumulation of granular substances at the site of the major dense line, or granular deposits at the site of the intraperiod line of the myelin sheath. Variations of incisural shape and dimension included folding, dilatation, and pocket formation (compartmentalization). Disintegration at incisures comprised a fine, vesicular and a gross, vacuolar type. Various combinations of these changes were observed. The most frequent change consisted of membranous whorls, detected in SLI of 89 biopsies. They were most prominent in chloroquine neuropathy where they occurred in SLI as well as in the adaxonal and abaxonal cytoplasm of Schwann cells. Compartmentalization of the myelin sheath at incisures associated with formation of myelin loops was a frequent feature in myotonic dystrophy. It is concluded, that changes of incisural ultrastructure are sensitive indicators of human neuropathies offering clues to the type of the underlying pathomechanism.

Adolescent↗

Modulation of the mutagenic response in prokaryotes.

Short-term tests investigating genetic end-points in prokaryotes have been extensively used worldwide not only for risk assessment purposes but also for evaluating the modulation of the mutagenic response. In spite of some intrinsic limitations, such as the lack of cell compartmentalization or the need for an exogenous metabolic system working extracellularly, experimental systems in bacteria can provide useful preliminary indications and some information on the mechanisms involved. In the large majority of studies the putative modulator is mixed with a known mutagen and then assayed in target bacteria, with suitable controls. However, under natural conditions exposure of target cells to modulators may either precede, co-exist with, or follow exposure to mutagens. Therefore, a variety of methodological variations, involving pre-treatment, co-treatment, or post-treatment of bacteria with the putative modulator, have been designed. Application of these procedures showed that the effects of modulators can be completely upset, from inhibition to enhancement, or vice versa, by changing the experimental conditions. Use of methodological variations may provide more complete information on the spectrum of possible effects in bacteria as well as a better insight into modulation mechanisms. Several examples illustrating the flexibility of the Salmonella test in this field of research are available. On the other hand, the widespread use of these relatively simple techniques, yet requiring skillfulness and experience, may lead to some misuse or oversimplifications. A rather common inadequacy is to use excessive amounts of test mutagens, or to express the results in terms of revertants/survivors, rather than revertants/plate. In fact, in the Salmonella test the number of revertants is rather unrelated to the initial number of plated bacteria, provided a normal background lawn of bacterial growth is formed. Thus, a 50% killing of bacteria will not appreciably influence the number of revertants/plate, but expressed as revertants/survivors the effect will look twice as large.

Antimutagenic Agents↗