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cAMP-independent and cAMP-dependent protein phosphorylations by isolated goldfish xanthophore cytoskeletons: evidence for the association of cytoskeleton with a carotenoid droplet protein.

Triton-insoluble cytoskeleton of nonpigment cells has bound protein kinase that phosphorylates, with or without added cAMP, tubulins and the intermediate filament proteins p60, p56, p53, and p45a to give multiple charge variants. In the absence of 8-Br-cAMP, Triton-insoluble cytoskeletons from xanthophores also phosphorylate p60, p56, and p45a, but not p53; tubulin phosphorylation may also be reduced. In the presence of 8-Br-cAMP, p53, as well as several other peptides, are phosphorylated. One of these latter peptides was identified as the carotenoid droplet (pigment organelle) protein p57, whose phosphorylation and dephosphorylation precede pigment dispersion and aggregation respectively (Lynch et al.: J. Biol. Chem. 261:4204-4211, 1986). The amount of pp57 produced depends on the state of pigment distribution in the xanthophores used to prepare the cytoskeletons for labeling. With cytoskeletons from xanthophores with aggregated pigment, pp57 is a major labeled phosphoprotein seen in two-dimensional gels. With cytoskeletons prepared from xanthophores with dispersed pigment, the yield of labeled pp57 is greatly reduced (by at least 90%). Together with earlier results, we propose that, in the aggregated state, p57 serves to bind carotenoid droplets to the cytoskeletons, most likely the microtubules. The significance of other cAMP-dependent phosphorylation reactions is unknown but may be related to cAMP-induced cytoskeleton rearrangement in intact xanthophores.

Animals

Detergent-resistant cytoskeleton of the surface-activated platelet differs from the suspension-activated platelet cytoskeleton.

This study contrasts the protein composition of the detergent-resistant cytoskeleton of platelets fully spread on glass with the cytoskeletal composition of resting platelets and platelets aggregated in suspension with thrombin. Complete Triton X-100-insoluble cytoskeletons were isolated from spread, resting, and suspension-activated platelets in the presence of protease inhibitors, solubilized in sodium dodecyl sulfate/EDTA and analyzed on reduced, one-dimensional polyacrylamide gels. The protein composition of the cytoskeletons differed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Most notable were more extensive incorporation of total protein, talin, and vinculin into the cytoskeleton of spread platelets than the cytoskeleton of suspension-activated platelets. Varying the concentration and time of exposure to thrombin during suspension activation did not mimic the cytoskeletal changes of surface activation. Scanning electron microscopy, measurement of lipid phosphorus content, and varying the duration of Triton extraction did not show incomplete solubilization or nonspecific trapping of constituents in the spread platelet cytoskeleton. Proteolysis of talin was minimal in suspension-activated platelets and in platelets spread for 50 minutes. The differences in the detergent-resistant cytoskeletons of surface- and suspension-activated platelets indicate significant divergence in the physiologies of platelet spreading on surfaces and platelet activation in suspension.

Adult

Structure and composition of the cytoskeleton of nucleated erythrocytes: III. Organization of the cytoskeleton of Bufo marinus erythrocytes as revealed by freeze-dried platinum-carbon replicas and immunofluorescence microscopy.

Platinum-carbon (Pt-C) replicas of freeze-dried erythrocyte cytoskeletons of the toad, Bufo marinus, were prepared using a modified Balzers 300 system. Examination in stereo of replicas of the microtubule-containing marginal band revealed filaments projecting from the microtubule walls to form links between adjacent microtubules. These cross-bridging proteins may bundle the microtubules into the configuration of the marginal band (MB) and may also serve to stabilize the structure. The MB appears to have linkages to components of the surface-associated cytoskeleton (SAC). The SAC forms a continuous matrix that spreads across the upper and lower surfaces of the cell adjacent to the plasma membrane and extends around the outer perimeter of the MB. Thus, the SAC encapsulates the MB and the central nucleus. After lysis, the elements of the cytoskeleton remain in a configuration similar to that found in the whole cell. Spectrin (fodrin) and actin were identified by immunofluorescence in the region of the SAC. When labeled with antibodies specific for vimentin and synemin, a network of intermediate filaments can be detected in the region between the nucleus and the MB. These vimentin filaments are also enclosed within the SAC and appear in Pt-C replicas to emerge from the area of the nuclear envelope. As the filaments extend toward the periphery of the cell, they form attachments to the SAC. Attachments of intermediate filaments to both the nucleus and the SAC thus appear to anchor the nucleus in its central position within the cytoskeleton.

Animals

Cytoskeleton in vitro: preparation of isolated cytoskeletons with three-dimensional architecture.

Cytoskeletons with three-dimensional architecture were isolated from cultured normal rat kidney cells. The preparation procedure consisted of Triton-demembranization of suspended cells followed by differential and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. By using higher (0.5%) and lower (0.1%) Triton concentrations for demembranization, two kinds of isolated cytoskeletons (CSK), called H-CSK and L-CSK, respectively, were prepared. H-CSK and L-CSK displayed unique morphology and protein composition. Three classes of cytoskeletal filaments, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules were shown to be major components in the electron microscopic images of the H-CSK. Stereoscopic electron microscopy of the H-CSK, dried by the critical point method, revealed that the cytoskeletal filaments are arranged in three-dimensional configurations even after isolation in vitro. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the H-CSK was composed mainly of actin, tubulin, and vimentin, reflecting its basic architecture. Electron microscopic images of L-CSK were more intricate than images of the H-CSK and showed, in addition to the filament types discussed above, anastomosing networks of short filamentous structures. These short filaments, with diameters of 3-8 nm and lengths of 30-150 nm, seemed to cross-link other elements of the cytoskeleton. The morphology of these short filaments resembles that of microtrabeculae observed in situ. Two-dimensional gels of the L-CSK showed over 100 protein spots when the gels were stained by the silver method. Subsequent treatment of the L-CSK with 0.5% Triton removed the microtrabeculae-like materials leaving as a residue the basic cytoskeleton similar to the H-CSK. Our observations indicate that microtrabeculae are composed of heterogenous proteins associated, in some instances, with a core structure of actin.

Animals

[Cytoskeleton--function and pathology: studies on the pathology of the intermediate filament cytoskeleton of liver cells].

Microfilaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments (IF) are major filamentous components of the cytoskeleton and play a role in the modulation of cell shape, in cellular movements, cellular stability, intracellular organisation as well as cell-to-cell and cell-to-stroma interactions. Particular interest was concentrated in the last few years on IF because of their cell type-specificity and, consequently, their suitability as cell markers in diagnostic pathology. Despite their apparent stability, IF are dynamic structures which may be modified under pathologic conditions. In recent years, pathologic alterations related to the IF cytoskeleton have been described in a diversity of chronic and degenerative disorders, including alcoholic hepatitis and neurologic diseases (e.g. M. Alzheimer, M. Parkinson). Our studies were particularly devoted to the elucidation of the pathogenesis of severe alcoholic liver injury (alcoholic hepatitis), which is associated with inflammation, liver cell degeneration and necrosis and morphologically characterized by the appearance of cytoplasmic hyaline inclusions (i.e., Mallory bodies). In the present review morphologic, immunologic and biochemical studies on nature and pathogenesis of Mallory bodies are summarized. Moreover, similarities between Mallory bodies and other cytoskeleton-related inclusion bodies suggest common routes of pathogenesis. Consequently, studies along these lines may not only lead to the understanding of mechanisms involved in alcoholic injury but may also provide information on general principles of cell damage as well as on regulation and function of the IF cytoskeleton.

Animals

The cytoskeleton of the cynomolgus monkey trabecular cell. II. Influence of cytoskeleton-active drugs.

The effects of cytochalasin B (10(-6) M and 10(-5) M), taxol (10(-5) M), and colchicine (10(-5) M) on the cytoskeleton of cynomolgus monkey trabecular cells were examined with Nomarski observations, fluorescent labeling as well as extraction, S-1 labeling, and critical-point drying. Changes in actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments, the three major cytoskeletal systems, were correlated with changes in the overall shape and organization of the monkey trabecular cell. Incubation with cytochalasin B caused a marked alteration on actin filament structure, as well as cell shape and cytoskeletal organization. Effects on microtubule structure were noted with taxol, nocodozole, or colchicine; however, no marked changes in overall cell shape or other cytoskeletal structures were observed. These studies demonstrate the importance of actin filaments in regulating the shape and cytoskeletal organization of cynomolgus monkey trabecular cells.

Actins

A cytoskeleton-dependent pathway for induction of IL-2 production and a cytoskeleton-independent pathway for IL-2-mediated signal transduction.

We have used the synthetic microtubule inhibitor Tubulozole C in order to study the role of the microtubule system in human lymphocyte activation. Microtubule disruption prior to activation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) resulted in a drastic reduction of IL-2 production. Similarly, using OKT3 or PHA as stimulators, a substantial decrease in proliferation was observed. Although IL-2 receptor analysis performed on the stimulated and antitubular-treated lymphocytes showed a 2-fold decrease in high-affinity and a 100-fold decrease in low-affinity IL-2 receptor expression, a proliferative response to externally added rIL-2 was noticed. This occurred provided the triggering agent was excluded or added in suboptimal concentrations. These results indicate that intact microtubules are necessary for PHA/OKT3-induced proliferation and IL-2 production, but not for IL-2-induced proliferation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Interaction between phosphatidylserine and the isolated cytoskeleton of human blood platelets.

Binding experiments were performed to demonstrate a direct interaction between cytoskeletons from human blood platelets and phosphatidylserine. A centrifugation technique using radiolabeled phosphatidylserine-vesicles and Triton X-100 insoluble residues from unstimulated human platelets was used to assess the binding. Interaction between cytoskeleton and phospholipid is demonstrated to be specific for phosphatidylserine. No binding was observed for phosphatidylcholine. The binding of phosphatidylserine was saturable and dependent on the concentration of cytoskeleton used. The interaction between phosphatidylserine and the cytoskeleton appeared to be completely reversible. The existence of a reversible and specific interaction between phosphatidylserine and the cytoskeleton of unstimulated platelets would suggest a role for the cytoskeleton in the maintenance of the asymmetric distribution of this lipid in the plasma membrane. We have previously shown (Comfurius et al. (1985) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 815, 143-148) that in activated platelets a strong correlation exists between degradation of platelet cytoskeletal proteins by the endogenous calcium-dependent proteinase (calpain) and exposure of phosphatidylserine at their outer surface. Nevertheless, hydrolysis of the isolated cytoskeleton by calpain did not result in a change in the parameters of the binding between phosphatidylserine and cytoskeleton. Also, sulfhydryl oxidation of the cytoskeleton by diamide did not affect its binding properties for phosphatidylserine, in spite of the fact that diamide treatment of platelets results in exposure of phosphatidylserine at the outer surface. Exposition of phosphatidylserine upon activation of platelets cannot be directly ascribed to a change in affinity or number of binding sites of the modified cytoskeleton as measured in model systems. However, it cannot be excluded that topological rearrangements of the cytoskeleton as occur within the cell during platelet activation lead to a decreased contact between cytoskeleton and lipid, irrespective of the binding parameters.

Binding Sites

Time-dependent association between platelet-bound fibrinogen and the Triton X-100 insoluble cytoskeleton.

Previous studies indicated a correlation between the formation of EDTA-resistant (irreversible) platelet-fibrinogen interactions and platelet cytoskeleton formation. The present study explored the direct association of membrane-bound fibrinogen with the Triton X-100 (Sigma Chemical Co, St Louis, MO) insoluble cytoskeleton of aspirin-treated, gel-filtered platelets, activated but not aggregated with 20 mumol/L adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or 150 mU/mL human thrombin (THR) when bound fibrinogen had become resistant to dissociation by EDTA. Conversion of exogenous 125I-fibrinogen to fibrin was prevented by adding Gly-Pro-Arg and neutralizing THR with hirudin before initiating binding studies. After 60 minutes at 22 degrees C, the cytoskeleton of ADP-treated platelets contained 20% +/- 12% (mean +/- SD, n = 14) of membrane-bound 125I-fibrinogen, representing 10% to 50% of EDTA-resistant fibrinogen binding. The THR-activated cytoskeleton contained 45% +/- 15% of platelet bound fibrinogen, comprising 80% to 100% of EDTA-resistant fibrinogen binding. 125I-fibrinogen was not recovered with platelet cytoskeletons if binding was inhibited by the RGDS peptide, excess unlabeled fibrinogen, or disruption of the glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa complex by EDTA-treatment. Both development of EDTA-resistant fibrinogen binding and fibrinogen association with the cytoskeleton were time dependent and reached maxima 45 to 60 minutes after fibrinogen binding to stimulated platelets. Although a larger cytoskeleton formed after platelet stimulation with thrombin as compared with ADP, no change in cytoskeleton composition was noted with development of EDTA-resistant fibrinogen binding. Examination of platelet cytoskeletons using monoclonal antibodies, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting showed the presence of only traces of GP IIb-IIIa in the cytoskeletons of resting platelets, with no detectable increases after platelet activation or development of EDTA-resistant fibrinogen binding. These data suggest that GP IIb-IIIa-mediated fibrinogen binding to activated platelets is accompanied by time-dependent alterations in platelet-fibrinogen interactions leading to the GP IIb-IIIa independent association between bound fibrinogen and the platelet cytoskeleton.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Aggregation-related association of lipid with the cytoskeleton of rabbit and human platelets prelabeled with [3H]palmitic acid. Similar effects of adenosine diphosphate- and thrombin-induced aggregation.

To investigate the association of lipid with the cytoskeleton of platelets during aggregation, rabbit and human platelets were isolated and labeled with [3H]palmitic acid; lipid extraction showed approximately 80% in phospholipid. Limited aggregation was induced with ADP or thrombin, and the cytoskeleton was isolated after lysis with 1% Triton X-100, 5 mM EGTA. Cytoskeleton from unactivated platelets had approximately 0.03% of the total label in the platelets, but after aggregation with ADP (2 microM) or thrombin (0.1 U/ml) for 20-30 s, 1.5-8% of the label was with the cytoskeleton. Fibrinogen enhanced aggregation and the association of label with the cytoskeleton; incorporation of label increased exponentially as aggregation proceeded, decreased exponentially during deaggregation, and appeared to be related to the number of sites of contact. Inhibitors that increase cyclic AMP inhibited aggregation and cytoskeletal labeling, but aspirin had no effect. Some experiments were done with DNase I and Ca2+ in the Triton X-100 lysis medium to cause actin depolymerization, under conditions in which the Ca2+-dependent protease activity was inhibited. This greatly reduced the association of label with the cytoskeleton at early time points, but when aggregation had proceeded further, a large proportion of the label was not dissociated by this treatment. These findings, electron microscopy, and the enrichment of the cytoskeleton of aggregated platelets with only some of the membrane proteins that were labeled by the 125I-lactoperoxidase method, indicated that with limited aggregation, the 3H-labeled lipid was mainly associated with the cytoskeleton and not with trapped membrane fragments resulting from incomplete lysis. Since the pattern of cytoskeleton labeling ([3H]palmitate) and the selective association of some membrane proteins with the cytoskeleton/lipid complex was the same with ADP and thrombin, the reactions must be dependent on aggregation and not on events associated with the release of granule contents.

Actin Cytoskeleton

Interaction of epidermal growth factor receptors with the cytoskeleton is related to receptor clustering.

Recently it has been established that cytoskeleton-associated epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors are predominantly of the high-affinity class and that EGF induces a recruitment of low-affinity receptors to the cytoskeleton. The nature of this EGF-induced receptor-cytoskeleton interaction, however, is still unknown. Therefore, we have studied the association of mutated EGF receptors with the cytoskeleton. Receptor deletion mutants lacking almost all intracellular amino acid residues displayed no interaction with the cytoskeleton, demonstrating that the cytoplasmic receptor domain is involved in this interaction. Further analysis revealed that receptor-cytoskeleton interaction is independent of receptor kinase activity and the C-terminal 126 amino acid residues, which include the auto-phosphorylation sites. Furthermore, it is shown that the high-affinity receptor subclass is not essential for association of low-affinity receptors to the cytoskeleton. EGF receptor-cytoskeleton interaction was increased, however, by treatment with sphingomyelinase, an enzyme known to induce membrane protein clustering, indicating that EGF receptor clustering may cause the association to the cytoskeleton.

Animals

Stopped-flow measurement of cytoskeletal contraction: Dictyostelium myosin II is specifically required for contraction of amoeba cytoskeletons.

Cytoskeletons provide valuable information on the composition and organization of the cell's contractile machinery, and in many cases these cell models retain the ability to contract. To quantitate contraction rates, we developed a novel stopped-flow assay permitting simultaneous analysis of thousands of Dictyostelium cytoskeletons within milliseconds of mixing with Mg-ATP. Cytoskeletons were placed in one syringe of the stopped flow apparatus and the appropriate buffer was placed in the second syringe. Mixing with Mg-ATP caused an immediate increase in the absorbance at 310 nm. Rapid fixation of the cytoskeletons during the reaction confirmed that this change in absorbance was highly correlated with contraction of the cytoskeletons. This spectroscopic change was used to measure the effects of temperature, pH, ionic strength, and nucleotides on contraction rate. Treatment with high salt and ATP removed most of the myosin, some actin, and small amounts of minor proteins. These extracted cytoskeletons lost the ability to contract, but after the addition of purified Dictyostelium myosin they regained full function. In contrast, rabbit skeletal muscle myosin was unable to restore contractility, even though it bound to the extracted cytoskeletons. Cytoskeletons prepared from a myosin-null mutant did not contract. Upon the addition of purified ameba myosin, however, they became contractile. These results suggest that filamentous Dictyostelium myosin II is essential for contraction, and that the actin cytoskeleton and associated proteins retain their functional organization in the absence of myosin.

Adenosine Triphosphate

Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase associated with the cytoskeleton of adrenal tumor cells.

Preparations of cytoskeleton from Y-1 cells were found to phosphorylate various cytoskeletal proteins when incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP. When cAMP was added to the cytoskeleton, a rapid increase in phosphorylation of cytoskeletal protein was observed, and changes were seen in the phosphorylation of individual proteins; four additional proteins were phosphorylated (mol wt, 165,000, 92,000, 45,000, and 24,000) and three proteins were more intensely phosphorylated than without cAMP (mol wt, 125,000, 51,000, and 38,000). In addition, one protein (mol wt, 96,000) that was intensely phosphorylated without cAMP was not phosphorylated with the cyclic nucleotide, and a second (mol wt, 48,000) was less phosphorylated. The increased level of total phosphorylation returned to the unstimulated level within 10 min. The increased phosphorylation of proteins produced by cAMP was inhibited by protein kinase inhibitor. cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity was closely associated with the cytoskeleton, since it was not removed by Triton X-100 (1%, wt/vol), although some activity could be extracted with buffer containing high concentrations of salt. When the cytoskeleton of Y-1 cells was subjected to treatments that disrupt the cytoskeleton before the cells were extracted (cytochalasin B, colchicine, and sonication), no change was seen in cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity. However, cytochalasin B increased phosphorylation of two proteins that were not phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent kinase (mol wt, 63,000 and 43,000). Sonication of the cytoskeleton before addition of [gamma-32P]ATP caused a number of changes in cAMP-independent phosphorylation, but did not affect cAMP-dependent phosphorylation. cAMP-dependent phosphorylation required Mg2+ and was inhibited by Ca2+. It is concluded that the cytoskeleton of Y-1 cells contains bound cAMP-dependent protein kinase that phosphorylates certain cytoskeleton proteins. The cytoskeleton also contains one or more cAMP-independent kinase systems. It is suggested that the cAMP-dependent protein kinase described here may be important in the cytoskeletal responses to ACTH.

Adenosine Triphosphate

Association of various T cell-surface molecules with the cytoskeleton. Effect of cross-linking and activation.

The association of various surface molecules with the cytoskeleton in resting peripheral blood T cells was examined by assaying the capacity of detergent to solubilize them. Cytoskeletal association was assessed by staining T cells with a fluorescein-conjugated mAb, resuspending the cells in buffer with or without the nonionic detergent, NP-40, and determining the capacity of the detergent to remove the mAb from the cell surface by using flow microfluorimetry. MAb to CD3, the TCR, and CD45 were completely removed from the cell surface by detergent. In contrast, 7 to 50% of mAb to CD2, CD4, CD8, CD11a/CD18, CD44, and class I MHC molecules were resistant to detergent solubilization, demonstrating that a fraction of these molecules was constitutively associated with the cytoskeleton. The effect of cross-linking these molecules with a mAb and a secondary goat anti-mouse Ig was also examined. Cross-linking CD3 or the TCR induced cytoskeletal association of these molecules. In addition, cross-linking increased the fraction of CD2, CD4, CD8, CD11a/CD18, CD44, and class I MHC molecules that was associated with the cytoskeleton. In contrast, cross-linking CD45 did not induce an association with the cytoskeleton. The effect of T cell activation on the cytoskeletal association of these molecules was also examined. Stimulation of T cells with ionomycin and PMA greatly increased the expression of CD2 and CD44 without increasing the number of molecules associated with the cytoskeleton. Stimulation with PMA alone had no effect on the expression of CD2 or CD44, but was found to decrease the percentage of these molecules associated with the cytoskeleton. Stimulation with ionomycin and PMA increased both the expression of class I MHC molecules and the number of molecules associated with the cytoskeleton proportionally. Finally, stimulation with ionomycin and PMA decreased CD3 expression, but increased the number of CD3 molecules associated with the cytoskeleton. The data establish a pattern of cytoskeletal association of T cell-surface molecules that is a characteristic of each individual molecule and can be altered by cross-linking. Moreover, the results indicate that the association of various T cell surface molecules with the cytoskeleton is a dynamic process that varies with the state of activation and or differentiation of the cells.

Adult

Disintegration of red cell membrane cytoskeleton by hemin.

Spectrin and actin were isolated and their oligomeric state after association with hemin at various conditions was studied. Intact cytoskeletons were prepared by Triton X-100 extraction of red blood cells and incubated with hemin and their stability analyzed by the appearance of dissociated proteins in the supernatant. The cytoskeletons dissociated in a time, temperature and hemin concentration-dependent manner. Following 18 hours incubation in the presence of 0.3 mM hemin there was no dissociation at 4 degrees C, while at the same hemin concentration after 2 hours complete dissociation of the cytoskeletons occurred at 37 degrees C. Microscopy indicated that the cytoskeletons incubated with hemin lost their "cell like" shapes in a time dependent manner. Hemin applied to intact cells also caused dissociation of their cytoskeletons as judged by the failure to separate integer cytoskeletons from red cells treated with hemin. From hemin-induced dissociation profiles of separated actin, spectrin and whole cytoskeletons under various conditions, a mechanism of cytoskeleton breakdown was analyzed, as a release of band 4.1 in the first step which is followed by spectrin dimerization and eventually dissociation of the entire cytoskeletons.

Actins

Differential association of membrane-bound and non-membrane-bound polysomes with the cytoskeleton.

We report here a differential release of specific mRNAs from the cytoskeleton by cytochalasin D treatment. Non-membrane-bound polysomal mRNAs, such as histone mRNA and c-fos mRNA, are readily released from the cytoskeleton of HeLa cells during cytochalasin D treatment. Over 90% of H3 and H4 histone mRNA is associated with the cytoskeleton in control cells and only 25% in cells treated with cytochalasin D (40 micrograms/ml). In contrast, the membrane-bound polysomal mRNAs for HLA-B7 and chorionic gonadotropin-alpha are inefficiently released from the cytoskeletal framework by cytochalasin D alone; approximately 98% of the HLA-B7 mRNA in control cells is associated with the cytoskeleton, whereas approximately 65% of the HLA-B7 mRNA is retained on the cytoskeleton in cells treated with cytochalasin D (40 micrograms/ml). Disruption of polysome structure with puromycin during cytochalasin D treatment results in the efficient release of HLA-B7 mRNA from the cytoskeleton. Under these conditions, only 25% of the HLA-B7 mRNA remains associated with the cytoskeletal framework. Thus, membrane-bound polysomes appear to be attached to the cytoskeleton through a cytochalasin D-sensitive site as well as through association with the nascent polypeptide and/or ribosome. These results demonstrate a complex association of polysomes with the cytoskeleton and elements of the endoplasmic reticulum.

Actin Cytoskeleton

Myosin filaments in cytoskeletons of Dictyostelium amoebae.

Cytoskeletons were prepared from vegetative amoebae of Dictyostelium discoideum by extraction with Triton X-100. The cytoskeletons were suspended in buffers known to induce the assembly or disassembly of myosin filaments. The samples were fixed, and thin sections were examined by transmission electron microscopy. In both types of buffers, myosin-containing cytoskeletons exhibited a ring of densely staining proteinaceous material within the cortical filament matrix; this ring was not observed in myosin-free cytoskeletons. When myosin-containing cytoskeletons were placed in buffers that induced myosin polymerization, the ring appeared as an array of rodlike filaments approximately 13 nm wide and up to 0.5 micron in length--dimensions appropriate for myosin thick filaments. If ATP was added to cytoskeletons containing such filaments, the cytoskeletons contracted and the ring of filaments disappeared. ATP-induced contraction of cytoskeletons was also visualized by indirect immunofluorescence by using monoclonal antibodies to Dictyostelium myosin. All data were consistent with the identification of the protein ring seen by electron microscopy as cortical myosin. Its location and organization were appropriate for the production of cortical contraction through a sliding filament mechanism.

Adenosine Triphosphate