scholarly journals Behaviour of microtubules and actin filaments in living Drosophila embryos

Development ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 103 (4) ◽  
pp. 675-686 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.R. Kellogg ◽  
T.J. Mitchison ◽  
B.M. Alberts
Keyword(s):  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Drosophila Embryo ◽  
Fixation Method ◽  
Rabbit Muscle ◽  
Specific Staining ◽  
Fixation Techniques ◽  
Filament Networks ◽  
Drosophila Embryos

We describe the preparation of novel fluorescent derivatives of rabbit muscle actin and bovine tubulin, and the use of these derivatives to study the behaviour of actin filaments and microtubules in living Drosophila embryos, in which the nuclei divide at intervals of 8 to 21 min. The fluorescently labelled proteins appear to function normally in vitro and in vivo, and they allow continuous observation of the cytoskeleton in living embryos without perturbing development. By coinjecting labelled actin and tubulin into the early syncytial embryo, the spatial relationships between the distinct filament networks that they form can be followed second by second. The dynamic rearrangements of actin filaments and microtubules observed confirms and extends results obtained from previous studies, in which fixation techniques and specific staining were used to visualize the cytoskeleton in the Drosophila embryo. However, no tested fixation method produces an exact representation of the in vivo microtubule distribution.

scholarly journals Capacity of human serum to depolymerize actin filaments

Blood ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 524-530
Author(s):  
PA Janmey ◽  
SE Lind
Keyword(s):  
Human Serum ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Serum Proteins ◽  
Normal Serum ◽  
Slow Phase ◽  
Rapid Phase ◽  
Plasma Gelsolin ◽  
Preferential Formation

Human blood depolymerizes filamentous (F-)actin. The interaction of actin filaments and monomers with human serum was studied by following the kinetics and extent of the depolymerization of pyrene-labeled F- actin and by analysis of serum proteins adhering to immobilized actin monomers. In physiologic Ca2+ concentrations, the depolymerization of F- actin proceeds in two stages: a rapid phase, attributed to direct severing of filaments by plasma gelsolin, and a slow phase attributed to the binding of actin monomers to vitamin D-binding protein (DBP). Without Ca2+, only the slow phase is observed. Human serum can completely depolymerize 10 to 18 mumol/L of actin, of which approximately 5 mumol/L occurs rapidly. Depolymerization can be accounted for by the normal serum concentrations of gelsolin and DBP. Fibrin(ogen) and fibronectin, which bind actin in vitro, do not contribute to the kinetics or extent of its depolymerization. Affinity chromatography and functional assays for the presence of gelsolin-actin complexes show that addition of G-actin to serum results in preferential formation of actin-DBP complexes, but that addition of F- actin to serum produces both gelsolin-actin complexes and DBP-actin complexes. The distinctive binding of actin monomers and polymers to these two serum proteins suggests a means by which their coordinated actions are maximized in vivo, from the standpoint of depolymerizing filaments and clearing monomers from the circulation.

A Comparative Study of Bioceramics In Vitro and In Vivo

2005 ◽  
Vol 284-286 ◽  
pp. 11-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Leng ◽  
Ren Long Xin ◽  
Ji Yong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Phosphates ◽  
Glass Ceramics ◽  
Octacalcium Phosphate ◽  
Rabbit Muscle ◽  
In Vivo Experiments ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Diffraction Patterns ◽  
Dental Applications

Bioactive calcium phosphate (Ca-P) formation in bioceramics surfaces in simulated body fluid (SBF) and in rabbit muscle sites was investigated. The examined bioceamics included most commonly used bioglass®, A-W glass-ceramics and calcium phosphates in orthopedic and dental applications. The Ca-P cyrstal structures were examined with single crystal diffraction patterns in transmission electron microscopy, which reduced possibility of misidentifying Ca-P phases. The experimental results show that capability of Ca-P formation considerably varied among bioceramics, particularly in vivo. Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) was revealed on the all types of bioceramics in vitro and in vivo experiments. This work leads us to rethink how to evaluate bioactivity of bioceramics and other orthopedic materials which exhibit capability of osteoconduction by forming direct bonding with bone.

Understanding Biological Structures Through Exploring the Mechanical Response of Cell-Like Systems

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Philip R. LeDuc
Keyword(s):  
Actin Cytoskeleton ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Living Cell ◽  
Cellular Response ◽  
Cancer Metastasis ◽  
Cell Structure ◽  
Polymer Physics ◽  
Wide Range

The actin cytoskeleton provides mechanical support for the cell and influences activities such as cancer metastasis and chemotaxis. While their mechanical responses have been studied in vivo and in vitro, understanding the link between these two forms remains challenging. To explore this gap and further understand cell structure, we reconstructed the cell cytoskeleton in a membrane-like spherical liposome to mimic the cellular environment; this enables an artificial “cell like” system. Through this approach, we are pursuing a path to compare in vitro mechanics from a polymer physics perspective of individual actin filaments with the in vivo mechanics of a living cell [1]. A living cell contains many organelles, which are in a highly packed environment and require significant organization to function. The actin cytoskeleton provides both structural and organizational regulation that is essential for cellular response. Here, we first encapsulated G-actin into giant unilamellar vesicles through an electroformation technique and then polymerized them into actin filaments (F-actin) within individual vesicles. To probe their conformation, we visualized these vesicles with fluorescence and laser scanning confocal microscopy. We then used a tapping mode atomic force microscopy to determine the mechanical properties of these cell-like systems. These results provide insight into a wide range of fields and studies including polymer physics, cell biology, and biotechnology.

scholarly journals ATP-dependent movement of myosin in vitro: characterization of a quantitative assay.

1984 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 1867-1871 ◽  
Author(s):  
M P Sheetz ◽  
R Chasan ◽  
J A Spudich
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Quantitative Assay ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Myosin ◽  
In Vitro Characterization ◽  
Actin Cables ◽  
Muscle Myosin

Sheetz and Spudich (1983, Nature (Lond.), 303:31-35) showed that ATP-dependent movement of myosin along actin filaments can be measured in vitro using myosin-coated beads and oriented actin cables from Nitella. To establish this in vitro movement as a quantitative assay and to understand better the basis for the movement, we have defined the factors that affect the myosin-bead velocity. Beads coated with skeletal muscle myosin move at a rate of 2-6 micron/s, depending on the myosin preparation. This velocity is independent of myosin concentration on the bead surface for concentrations above a critical value (approximately 20 micrograms myosin/2.5 X 10(9) beads of 1 micron in diameter). Movement is optimal between pH 6.8 and 7.5, at KCl concentrations less than 70 mM, at ATP concentrations greater than 0.1 mM, and at Mg2+ concentrations between 2 and 6 mM. From the temperature dependence of bead velocity, we calculate activation energies of 90 kJ/mol below 22 degrees C and 40 kJ/mol above 22 degrees C. Different myosin species move at their own characteristic velocities, and these velocities are proportional to their actin-activated ATPase activities. Further, the velocities of beads coated with smooth or skeletal muscle myosin correlate well with the known in vivo rates of myosin movement along actin filaments in these muscles. This in vitro assay, therefore, provides a rapid, reproducible method for quantitating the ATP-dependent movement of myosin molecules on actin.

scholarly journals In vivo and in vitro analysis of transcriptional activation mediated by the human cytomegalovirus major immediate-early proteins.

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 1238-1250 ◽  
Author(s):  
K M Klucher ◽  
M Sommer ◽  
J T Kadonaga ◽  
D H Spector
Keyword(s):  
Human Cytomegalovirus ◽  
Hela Cells ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Histone H1 ◽  
Early Gene ◽  
Immediate Early ◽  
Early Promoter ◽  
Drosophila Embryos

To define mechanistically how the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) major immediate-early (IE) proteins induce early-gene transcription, the IE1 72-kDa protein, the IE2 55-kDa protein, and the IE2 86-kDa protein were analyzed for their ability to activate transcription from an HCMV early promoter in vivo and in vitro. In transient-expression assays in U373MG astrocytoma/glioblastoma and HeLa cells, only the IE2 86-kDa protein was able to activate the HCMV early promoter to high levels. In HeLa cells, the IE1 72-kDa protein was able to activate the promoter to a low but detectable level, and the level of promoter activity observed in response to the IE2 86-kDa protein was increased synergistically following cotransfection of the constructs expressing both IE proteins. To examine the interaction of the HCMV IE proteins with the RNA polymerase II transcription machinery, we assayed the ability of Escherichia coli-synthesized proteins to activate the HCMV early promoter in nuclear extracts prepared from U373MG cells, HeLa cells, and Drosophila embryos. The results of the in vitro experiments correlated well with those obtained in vivo. The basal activity of the promoter was minimal in both the HeLa and U373MG extracts but was stimulated 6- to 10-fold by the IE2 86-kDa protein. With a histone H1-deficient extract from Drosophila embryos, the HCMV early promoter was quite active and was stimulated two- to fourfold by the IE2 86-kDa protein. Addition of histone H1 at 1 molecule per 40 to 50 bp of DNA template significantly repressed basal transcription from this promoter. However, the IE2 86-kDa protein, but none of the other IE proteins, was able to counteract the H1-mediated repression and stimulate transcription at least 10- to 20-fold. The promoter specificity of the activation was demonstrated by the inability of the IE2 86-kDa protein to activate the Drosophila Krüppel promoter in either the presence or absence of histone H1. These results suggest that one mechanism of transcription activation by the IE2 86-kDa protein involves antirepression.

scholarly journals Overexpression of cofilin stimulates bundling of actin filaments, membrane ruffling, and cell movement in Dictyostelium.

1996 ◽  
Vol 132 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Aizawa ◽  
K Sutoh ◽  
I Yahara
Keyword(s):  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Cell Movement ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Membrane Ruffling ◽  
And Function

Cofilin is a low molecular weight actin-modulating protein whose structure and function are conserved among eucaryotes. Cofilin exhibits in vitro both a monomeric actin-sequestering activity and a filamentous actin-severing activity. To investigate in vivo functions of cofilin, cofilin was overexpressed in Dictyostelium discoideum cells. An increase in the content of D. discoideum cofilin (d-cofilin) by sevenfold induced a co-overproduction of actin by threefold. In cells over-expressing d-cofilin, the amount of filamentous actin but not that of monomeric actin was increased. Overexpressed d-cofilin co-sedimented with actin filaments, suggesting that the sequestering activity of d-cofilin is weak in vivo. The overexpression of d-cofilin increased actin bundles just beneath ruffling membranes where d-cofilin was co-localized. The overexpression of d-cofilin also stimulated cell movement as well as membrane ruffling. We have demonstrated in vitro that d-cofilin transformed latticework of actin filaments cross-linked by alpha-actinin into bundles probably by severing the filaments. D. discoideum cofilin may sever actin filaments in vivo and induce bundling of the filaments in the presence of cross-linking proteins so as to generate contractile systems involved in membrane ruffling and cell movement.

scholarly journals Fission yeast tropomyosin specifies directed transport of myosin-V along actin cables

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph E. Clayton ◽  
Luther W. Pollard ◽  
Maria Sckolnick ◽  
Carol S. Bookwalter ◽  
Alex R. Hodges ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fission Yeast ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Total Internal Reflection ◽  
Single Molecules ◽  
Myosin V ◽  
Class V ◽  
Physiological Relevance ◽  
Actin Cables

A hallmark of class-V myosins is their processivity—the ability to take multiple steps along actin filaments without dissociating. Our previous work suggested, however, that the fission yeast myosin-V (Myo52p) is a nonprocessive motor whose activity is enhanced by tropomyosin (Cdc8p). Here we investigate the molecular mechanism and physiological relevance of tropomyosin-mediated regulation of Myo52p transport, using a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches. Single molecules of Myo52p, visualized by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, moved processively only when Cdc8p was present on actin filaments. Small ensembles of Myo52p bound to a quantum dot, mimicking the number of motors bound to physiological cargo, also required Cdc8p for continuous motion. Although a truncated form of Myo52p that lacked a cargo-binding domain failed to support function in vivo, it still underwent actin-dependent movement to polarized growth sites. This result suggests that truncated Myo52p lacking cargo, or single molecules of wild-type Myo52p with small cargoes, can undergo processive movement along actin-Cdc8p cables in vivo. Our findings outline a mechanism by which tropomyosin facilitates sorting of transport to specific actin tracks within the cell by switching on myosin processivity.

scholarly journals Regulation of cell proliferation by ERK and signal-dependent nuclear translocation of ERK is dependent on Tm5NM1-containing actin filaments

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (13) ◽  
pp. 2475-2490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Galina Schevzov ◽  
Anthony J. Kee ◽  
Bin Wang ◽  
Vanessa B. Sequeira ◽  
Jeff Hook ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Genetic Manipulation ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Proximity Ligation ◽  
Mouse Embryo Fibroblasts ◽  
Wild Type Mefs

ERK-regulated cell proliferation requires multiple phosphorylation events catalyzed first by MEK and then by casein kinase 2 (CK2), followed by interaction with importin7 and subsequent nuclear translocation of pERK. We report that genetic manipulation of a core component of the actin filaments of cancer cells, the tropomyosin Tm5NM1, regulates the proliferation of normal cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking Tm5NM1, which have reduced proliferative capacity, are insensitive to inhibition of ERK by peptide and small-molecule inhibitors, indicating that ERK is unable to regulate proliferation of these knockout (KO) cells. Treatment of wild-type MEFs with a CK2 inhibitor to block phosphorylation of the nuclear translocation signal in pERK resulted in greatly decreased cell proliferation and a significant reduction in the nuclear translocation of pERK. In contrast, Tm5NM1 KO MEFs, which show reduced nuclear translocation of pERK, were unaffected by inhibition of CK2. This suggested that it is nuclear translocation of CK2-phosphorylated pERK that regulates cell proliferation and this capacity is absent in Tm5NM1 KO cells. Proximity ligation assays confirmed a growth factor–stimulated interaction of pERK with Tm5NM1 and that the interaction of pERK with importin7 is greatly reduced in the Tm5NM1 KO cells.

scholarly journals Actin depolymerizing factor controls actin turnover and gliding motility in Toxoplasma gondii

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 1290-1299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simren Mehta ◽  
L. David Sibley
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Gliding Motility ◽  
Conditional Knockout ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Actin Depolymerizing Factor

Apicomplexan parasites rely on actin-based gliding motility to move across the substratum, cross biological barriers, and invade their host cells. Gliding motility depends on polymerization of parasite actin filaments, yet ∼98% of actin is nonfilamentous in resting parasites. Previous studies suggest that the lack of actin filaments in the parasite is due to inherent instability, leaving uncertain the role of actin-binding proteins in controlling dynamics. We have previously shown that the single allele of Toxoplasma gondii actin depolymerizing factor (TgADF) has strong actin monomer–sequestering and weak filament-severing activities in vitro. Here we used a conditional knockout strategy to investigate the role of TgADF in vivo. Suppression of TgADF led to accumulation of actin-rich filaments that were detected by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Parasites deficient in TgADF showed reduced speed of motility, increased aberrant patterns of motion, and inhibition of sustained helical gliding. Lack of TgADF also led to severe defects in entry and egress from host cells, thus blocking infection in vitro. These studies establish that the absence of stable actin structures in the parasite are not simply the result of intrinsic instability, but that TgADF is required for the rapid turnover of parasite actin filaments, gliding motility, and cell invasion.

Side-chain amino acid based cationic polymer induced actin polymerization

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 1218-1226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binoy Maiti ◽  
Priyanka Dutta ◽  
Soma Seal ◽  
Sunirmal Pal ◽  
Priyadarsi De ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Cationic Polymer ◽  
Side Chain

A side-chain amino acid (alanine) based cationic polymer is able to nucleate, polymerize and stabilize actin filaments in vitro and in vivo.

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