scholarly journals Role of the cytoskeleton in the formation, stabilization, and removal of acetylcholine receptor clusters in cultured muscle cells.

1984 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
J A Connolly
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Cytochalasin D ◽  
Brain Extract ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Receptor Clusters ◽  
Alpha Bungarotoxin ◽  
Large Clusters ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Ach Receptors

We have examined the effects of microtubule- and microfilament-disrupting drugs on the stability, formation, and removal of acetylcholine (ACh) receptors and ACh receptor clusters on the surface of aneurally cultured chick embryonic myotubes. (a) In muscle cell cultures, cytochalasin D (0.2 microgram/ml) or B (2.0 micrograms/ml) causes the dispersal of 50-60% of the existing clusters over a 24-h period (visualized with rhodamine-conjugated alpha-bungarotoxin); Colcemid (0.5 micrograms/ml) has no affect on these clusters. The total number of cell surface ACh receptors does not decline during this period (measured by [125I]alpha-bungarotoxin binding) in the presence of either drug. (b) When cells are treated with biotinylated alpha-bungarotoxin and fluorescent avidin, ACh receptors are cross-linked and rapidly internalized (Axelrod, D., 1980, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA., 77: 4823-4827). Within 6 h, I have found that 0-15% of the existing large clusters remain. Cytochalasin D or B had no effect on this removal of clusters; however, Colcemid completely prevented the removal of clusters from the cell surface. (c) Addition of chick brain extract to chick myotubes causes an increase in the synthesis and clustering of ACh receptors (Jessell et al., 1979, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 76: 5397-5401). Cytochalasin D caused a slight increase in the number of receptors synthesized in the presence of brain extract whereas Colcemid had no effect on the synthesis and insertion of new receptors into the plasma membrane induced by the brain extract. However, both drugs prevented the increase in the number of receptor clusters. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that receptor clusters are stabilized by actin-containing filaments, but that the movement of receptors in the plane of the membrane requires Colcemid-sensitive microtubules.

scholarly journals Glymphatic System in the Central Nervous System, a Novel Therapeutic Direction Against Brain Edema After Stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangyue Zhou ◽  
Youwei Li ◽  
Cameron Lenahan ◽  
Yibo Ou ◽  
Minghuan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Edema ◽  
Brain Tissue ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Glymphatic System ◽  
System A ◽  
Function Recovery ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
The Stability ◽  
The Brain

Stroke is the destruction of brain function and structure, and is caused by either cerebrovascular obstruction or rupture. It is a disease associated with high mortality and disability worldwide. Brain edema after stroke is an important factor affecting neurologic function recovery. The glymphatic system is a recently discovered cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) transport system. Through the perivascular space and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) on astrocytes, it promotes the exchange of CSF and interstitial fluid (ISF), clears brain metabolic waste, and maintains the stability of the internal environment within the brain. Excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain tissue causes cerebral edema, but the glymphatic system plays an important role in the process of both intake and removal of fluid within the brain. The changes in the glymphatic system after stroke may be an important contributor to brain edema. Understanding and targeting the molecular mechanisms and the role of the glymphatic system in the formation and regression of brain edema after stroke could promote the exclusion of fluids in the brain tissue and promote the recovery of neurological function in stroke patients. In this review, we will discuss the physiology of the glymphatic system, as well as the related mechanisms and therapeutic targets involved in the formation of brain edema after stroke, which could provide a new direction for research against brain edema after stroke.

scholarly journals MeCP2: The Genetic Driver of Rett Syndrome Epigenetics

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina V. Good ◽  
John B. Vincent ◽  
Juan Ausió
Keyword(s):  
Rett Syndrome ◽  
Neuronal Development ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Epigenetic Mark ◽  
Initial Development ◽  
Genetic Ablation ◽  
Developmental Regression ◽  
The Stability ◽  
The Brain

Mutations in methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) are the major cause of Rett syndrome (RTT), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder with a notable period of developmental regression following apparently normal initial development. Such MeCP2 alterations often result in changes to DNA binding and chromatin clustering ability, and in the stability of this protein. Among other functions, MeCP2 binds to methylated genomic DNA, which represents an important epigenetic mark with broad physiological implications, including neuronal development. In this review, we will summarize the genetic foundations behind RTT, and the variable degrees of protein stability exhibited by MeCP2 and its mutated versions. Also, past and emerging relationships that MeCP2 has with mRNA splicing, miRNA processing, and other non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) will be explored, and we suggest that these molecules could be missing links in understanding the epigenetic consequences incurred from genetic ablation of this important chromatin modifier. Importantly, although MeCP2 is highly expressed in the brain, where it has been most extensively studied, the role of this protein and its alterations in other tissues cannot be ignored and will also be discussed. Finally, the additional complexity to RTT pathology introduced by structural and functional implications of the two MeCP2 isoforms (MeCP2-E1 and MeCP2-E2) will be described. Epigenetic therapeutics are gaining clinical popularity, yet treatment for Rett syndrome is more complicated than would be anticipated for a purely epigenetic disorder, which should be taken into account in future clinical contexts.

The generation of cell surface polarity in mouse 8-cell blastomeres: the role of cortical microfilaments analysed using cytochalasin D

Development ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 169-191
Author(s):  
T. P. Fleming ◽  
S. J. Pickering ◽  
F. Qasim ◽  
B. Maro
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Alternative Model ◽  
Cytochalasin D ◽  
Apical Surface ◽  
Surface Polarity ◽  
Cell Cycles ◽  
Contact Areas ◽  
Microfilament System

The mechanism by which a surface pole of microvilli is generated in mouse 8-cell blastomeres has been investigated. 4-cell and 8-cell embryos (or cell couplets) were incubated for precise times during their respective cell cycles in medium containing cytochalasin D (CCD) to disrupt the microfilament system. The blastomeres were analysed immediately for the distribution and state of organization of their microvilli, using three morphological techniques. The results indicate that the surface pole, characterized by microvilli containing CCD-resistant core filaments, is not generated by the gradual segregation of stable microvilli to the apical surface. An alternative model is proposed, based upon (a) the stabilization of the apical cytocortex prior to the elongation of apical microvilli and (b) the destabilization of cytocortical elements in contact areas and the shortening and loss of basolateral microvilli.

scholarly journals Chlamydia trachomatis Induces Remodeling of the Actin Cytoskeleton during Attachment and Entry into HeLa Cells

2002 ◽  
Vol 70 (7) ◽  
pp. 3793-3803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reynaldo A. Carabeo ◽  
Scott S. Grieshaber ◽  
Elizabeth Fischer ◽  
Ted Hackstadt
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Actin Cytoskeleton ◽  
Hela Cells ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Cytochalasin D ◽  
Actin Remodeling ◽  
Ultrastructural Studies ◽  
Infected Cells

ABSTRACT To elucidate the host cell machinery utilized by Chlamydia trachomatis to invade epithelial cells, we examined the role of the actin cytoskeleton in the internalization of chlamydial elementary bodies (EBs). Treatment of HeLa cells with cytochalasin D markedly inhibited the internalization of C. trachomatis serovar L2 and D EBs. Association of EBs with HeLa cells induced localized actin polymerization at the site of attachment, as visualized by either phalloidin staining of fixed cells or the active recruitment of GFP-actin in viable infected cells. The recruitment of actin to the specific site of attachment was accompanied by dramatic changes in the morphology of cell surface microvilli. Ultrastructural studies revealed a transient microvillar hypertrophy that was dependent upon C. trachomatis attachment, mediated by structural components on the EBs, and cytochalasin D sensitive. In addition, a mutant CHO cell line that does not support entry of C. trachomatis serovar L2 did not display such microvillar hypertrophy following exposure to L2 EBs, which is in contrast to infection with serovar D, to which it is susceptible. We propose that C. trachomatis entry is facilitated by an active actin remodeling process that is induced by the attachment of this pathogen, resulting in distinct microvillar reorganization throughout the cell surface and the formation of a pedestal-like structure at the immediate site of attachment and entry.

Role of microfilaments in asialoglycoprotein processing in adult and developing liver

1990 ◽  
Vol 259 (4) ◽  
pp. G639-G645
Author(s):  
S. S. Kaufman ◽  
P. L. Blain ◽  
J. H. Park ◽  
D. J. Tuma
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Rate Constant ◽  
Cytochalasin D ◽  
Ligand Complex ◽  
Receptor Ligand ◽  
Surface Receptor ◽  
Old Rats ◽  
Initial Movement

To assess the role of microfilaments in receptor-mediated endocytosis of asialoglycoproteins, hepatocytes isolated from adult and 6-day-old rats were treated with the antimicrofilamentous agent cytochalasin D and then incubated with 125I-asialoorosomucoid (ASOR). Cytochalasin D (50 microM) reduced degradation of continuously endocytosed ASOR (7.5 micrograms/ml) equally in adult and neonate to approximately 20% of control. Internalization of surface-bound ASOR suggested at least two discrete sites at which ligand translocation was inhibited by drug at both ages: 1) initial movement of receptor-ligand complex from cell surface to interior and 2) postinternalization ligand transit to lysosomes. Inhibition of plasma membrane translocation was confirmed by calculation of endocytotic rate constant (Ke) values, which were decreased to approximately 20-30% of control after cytochalasin D treatment. In contrast, the antimicrotubular drug colchicine did not reduce Ke values significantly nor did colchicine in combination with cytochalasin D impede lysosome-directed transport more than cytochalasin D alone. These results indicate that internalization of occupied asialoglycoprotein surface receptor is microfilament dependent irrespective of postnatal age and that subsequent participation of microfilaments in asialoglycoprotein trafficking is closely related to that of microtubules.

scholarly journals Agrin-related molecules are concentrated at acetylcholine receptor clusters in normal and aneural developing muscle.

1989 ◽  
Vol 108 (4) ◽  
pp. 1527-1535 ◽  
Author(s):  
J R Fallon ◽  
C E Gelfman
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Muscle Cell ◽  
Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
External Surface ◽  
Related Molecule ◽  
Whole Mount ◽  
Receptor Clusters ◽  
Alpha Bungarotoxin ◽  
Developing Muscle

Agrin induces the clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AchRs) and other postsynaptic components on the surface of cultured muscle cells. Molecules closely related if not identical to agrin are highly concentrated in the synaptic basal lamina, a structure known to play a key part in orchestrating synapse regeneration. Agrin or agrin-related molecules are thus likely to play a role in directing the differentiation of the postsynaptic apparatus at the regenerating neuromuscular junction. The present studies are aimed at understanding the role of agrin at developing synapses. We have used anti-agrin monoclonal antibodies combined with alpha-bungarotoxin labeling to establish the localization and time of appearance of agrin-related molecules in muscles of the chick hindlimb. Agrinlike immunoreactivity was observed in premuscle masses from as early as stage 23. AchR clusters were first detected late in stage 25, coincident with the entry of axons into the limb. At this and all subsequent stages examined, greater than 95% of the AchR clusters colocalized with agrin-related molecules. This colocalization was also observed in unpermeabilized whole mount preparations, indicating that the agrin-related molecules were disposed on the external surface of the cells. Agrin-related molecules were also detected in regions of low AchR density on the muscle cell surface. To examine the role of innervation in the expression of agrin-related molecules, aneural limbs were generated by two methods. Examination of these limbs revealed that agrin-related molecules were expressed in the aneural muscle and they colocalized with AchR clusters. Thus, in developing muscle, agrin or a closely related molecule (a) is expressed before AchR clusters are detected; (b) is colocalized with the earliest AchR clusters formed; and (c) can be expressed in muscle and at sites of high AchR density independently of innervation. These results indicate that agrin or a related molecule is likely to play a role in synapse development and suggest that the muscle cell may be at least one source of this molecule.

Localization of actin, beta-spectrin, 43 × 10(3) Mr and 58 × 10(3) Mr proteins to receptor-enriched domains of newly formed acetylcholine receptor aggregates in isolated myotube membranes

1990 ◽  
Vol 97 (4) ◽  
pp. 615-626
Author(s):  
M.P. Daniels
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Acetylcholine Receptor ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Subsequent Treatment ◽  
Brain Extract ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Cytoplasmic Face ◽  
Alpha Bungarotoxin ◽  
Immunofluorescence Labeling

I have examined the possible involvement of specific cytoskeletal and peripheral membrane proteins in the early stages of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation in rat myotubes in culture by immunofluorescence localization of these proteins on the cytoplasmic face of isolated plasma membranes. A culture procedure utilizing selective replating of myoblasts and subsequent treatment with cytosine arabinoside was devised to obtain large, multipolar myotubes with extensive upper surfaces that are free of fibroblasts. These cultures were exposed for 4–6 h to embryonic pig brain extract (EBX) to induce AChR aggregate formation on the upper cell surface, and the AChRs were labeled with TRITC-conjugated alpha-bungarotoxin. Large sheets of plasma membranes from the upper cell surface were isolated by adhesion to a coverslip coated with a polypeptide adhesive (Cell-Tak) that was pressed on top of the culture. The membranes were labeled by indirect immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies against the 43 × 10(3) Mr and 58 × 10(3) Mr proteins, originally identified in the AChR-enriched membranes of Torpedo electroplaques, and with monoclonal antibodies against isoforms of actin and beta-spectrin. The labeling patterns showed that all four of these proteins are concentrated in the punctate AChR-enriched domains within the aggregates, suggesting that they may be involved in the early stages of AChR aggregation. Immunofluorescence labeling with monoclonal antibodies against vinculin and clathrin, and with an antiserum to talin, showed that these proteins are also associated with AChR aggregates; however, their labeling patterns did not correspond closely to the AChR-enriched domains. Furthermore, vinculin and talin dissociated from most of the membrane during isolation. The concentration of beta-spectrin and actin isoforms on the cytoplasmic fact of the AChR-enriched domains is consistent with the formation, early in the aggregation process, of a membrane-cytoskeleton association similar to that of erythrocytes.

The Role of Mitochondria in the Genesis of Neuroaxonal Dystrophy in the Brains of Aging Mice

1975 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 372-373
Author(s):  
J.E. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Present Report ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Dorsal Column ◽  
Neuroaxonal Dystrophy ◽  
Nucleus Gracilis ◽  
Dystrophic Axons ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Nucleus Cuneatus

Although neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) has been examined by light and electron microscopy for years, the nature of the components in the dystrophic axons is not well understood. The present report examines nucleus gracilis and cuneatus (the dorsal column nuclei) in the brain stem of aging mice.Mice (C57BL/6J) were sacrificed by aldehyde perfusion at ages ranging from 3 months to 23 months. Several brain areas and parts of other organs were processed for electron microscopy.At 3 months of age, very little evidence of NAD can be discerned by light microscopy. At the EM level, a few axons are found to contain dystrophic material. By 23 months of age, the entire nucleus gracilis is filled with dystrophic axons. Much less NAD is seen in nucleus cuneatus by comparison. The most recurrent pattern of NAD is an enlarged profile, in the center of which is a mass of reticulated material (reticulated portion; or RP).

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