Structural and functional similarities between the human cytoskeletal protein zyxin and the ActA protein of Listeria monocytogenes

1997 ◽  
Vol 110 (16) ◽  
pp. 1893-1906 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.M. Golsteyn ◽  
M.C. Beckerle ◽  
T. Koay ◽  
E. Friederich
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Chimeric Protein ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Striking Similarity ◽  
Rich Domain ◽  
Protein Partners ◽  
Localization Sequence

The intracellular bacterial parasite Listeria monocytogenes produces ActA protein at its surface to facilitate the localized assembly of actin-filled comets that are required for movement. The organization of actin in Listeria comets shows striking similarity to the organization of actin at the plasma membrane of mammalian cells. Therefore we examined the possibility that an ActA-like protein is present in mammalian cells. By using antibodies directed against ActA, we identified zyxin as an ActA related protein in a number of cell types. We compared the functions of ActA and zyxin by transient expression of variants tagged with an inner plasma membrane localization sequence (a CAAX box). Targeting of the proline rich domain of zyxin to the plasma membrane disrupts the actin cytoskeleton and cell shape in a manner similar to that which occurs with membrane-targeted ActA sequences. A chimeric protein composed of the N-terminal domain of ActA fused to the N-terminal and central domains of zyxin induced a full ActA response in cells. Furthermore, zyxin and ActA exhibit common protein partners in vitro. On the basis of the shared properties of zyxin and ActA, we propose that zyxin enhances actin organizing activity in mammalian cells.

Ultrastructural Changes in Three Different Mammalian Cells Following Ultraviolet Laser Irradiation

1972 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
pp. 350-351
Author(s):  
K. Shankar Narayan ◽  
Kailash C. Gupta ◽  
Tohru Okigaki
Keyword(s):  
Ultraviolet Light ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Chinese Hamster ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Differential Sensitivity ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Ultraviolet Laser

The biological effects of short-wave ultraviolet light has generally been described in terms of changes in cell growth or survival rates and production of chromosomal aberrations. Ultrastructural changes following exposure of cells to ultraviolet light, particularly at 265 nm, have not been reported.We have developed a means of irradiating populations of cells grown in vitro to a monochromatic ultraviolet laser beam at a wavelength of 265 nm based on the method of Johnson. The cell types studies were: i) WI-38, a human diploid fibroblast; ii) CMP, a human adenocarcinoma cell line; and iii) Don C-II, a Chinese hamster fibroblast cell strain. The cells were exposed either in situ or in suspension to the ultraviolet laser (UVL) beam. Irradiated cell populations were studied either "immediately" or following growth for 1-8 days after irradiation.Differential sensitivity, as measured by survival rates were observed in the three cell types studied. Pattern of ultrastructural changes were also different in the three cell types.

scholarly journals Sphingosine 1-phosphate in inflammation

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lijuan Li ◽  
Lixia An ◽  
Lifang Li ◽  
Yongjuan Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Integral Role ◽  
Sphingosine 1 Phosphate ◽  
And Migration

Sphingolipids are formed via the metabolism of sphingomyelin, aconstituent of the plasma membrane, or by denovosynthesis. Enzymatic pathways result in the formation of several different lipid mediators, which are known to have important roles in many cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis and migration. Several studies now suggest that these sphingolipid mediators, including ceramide, ceramide 1-phosphate and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), are likely to have an integral role in in?ammation. This can involve, for example, activation of pro-in?ammatory transcription factors in different cell types and induction of cyclooxygenase-2, leading to production of pro-in?ammatory prostaglandins. The mode of action of each sphingolipid is different. Increased ceramide production leads to the formation of ceramide-rich areas of the membrane, which may assemble signalling complexes, whereas S1P acts via high-af?nity G-protein-coupled S1P receptors on the plasma membrane. Recent studies have demonstrated that in vitro effects of sphingolipids on in?ammation can translate into in vivo models. This review will highlight the areas of research where sphingolipids are involved in in?ammation and the mechanisms of action of each mediator. In addition, the therapeutic potential of drugs that alter sphingolipid actions will be examined with reference to disease states, such as asthma and in?ammatory bowel disease, which involve important in?ammatory components. A signi?cant body of research now indicates that sphingolipids are intimately involved in the in?ammatory process and recent studies have demonstrated that these lipids, together with associated enzymes and receptors, can provide effective drug targets for the treatment of pathological in?ammation.

scholarly journals Surface membrane vesicles from mononuclear cells stimulate erythroid stem cells to proliferate in culture

Blood ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 583-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Dainiak ◽  
CM Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Surface Membrane ◽  
Freeze Fracture ◽  
Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Freeze Fracture Electron Microscopy

Abstract In order to examine the contribution of cell surface materials to erythroid burst-promoting activity (BPA), we separated media conditioned by a variety of human cell types into pellets and supernatants by centrifugation. When added to serum-restricted cultures of nonadherent human marrow cells, pellets contained about half of the total stimulatory activity. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy of the pellets revealed the presence of unilamellar membrane vesicles ranging from 0.10 to 0.40 microM in diameter. The amount of BPA in culture increased with added vesicle concentration in a saturable fashion. Preparation of leukocyte conditioned medium (LCM) from 125I-wheat germ agglutinin labeled cells and studies comparing the glycoprotein composition of vesicles with that of leukocyte plasma membranes suggest that LCM-derived vesicles are of plasma membrane origin. Moreover, partially purified leukocyte plasma membrane preparations also contained BPA. While disruption of vesicles by freezing/thawing and hypotonic lysis did not alter BPA, heat, trypsin, or pronase treatment removed greater than 65% of BPA, implying that vesicle surface rather than intravesicular molecules express BPA. Results of BPA assays performed in two-layer clots indicated that proximity to target cells is required for vesicle BPA expression. We conclude that membrane vesicles spontaneously shed from cell surfaces may be important regulators of erythroid burst proliferation in vitro.

scholarly journals Antigen-stimulated Activation of Phospholipase D1b by Rac1, ARF6, and PKCα in RBL-2H3 Cells

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1252-1262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale J. Powner ◽  
Matthew N. Hodgkin ◽  
Michael J.O. Wakelam
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Enzyme Activation ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Ph Domain ◽  
Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase ◽  
Stimulation Of ◽  
Phosphatidylinositol 3

Phospholipase D (PLD) activity can be detected in response to many agonists in most cell types; however, the pathway from receptor occupation to enzyme activation remains unclear. In vitro PLD1b activity is phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate dependent via an N-terminal PH domain and is stimulated by Rho, ARF, and PKC family proteins, combinations of which cooperatively increase this activity. Here we provide the first evidence for the in vivo regulation of PLD1b at the molecular level. Antigen stimulation of RBL-2H3 cells induces the colocalization of PLD1b with Rac1, ARF6, and PKCα at the plasma membrane in actin-rich structures, simultaneously with cooperatively increasing PLD activity. Activation is both specific and direct because dominant negative mutants of Rac1 and ARF6 inhibit stimulated PLD activity, and surface plasmon resonance reveals that the regulatory proteins bind directly and independently to PLD1b. This also indicates that PLD1b can concurrently interact with a member from each regulator family. Our results show that in contrast to PLD1b's translocation to the plasma membrane, PLD activation is phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase dependent. Therefore, because inactive, dominant negative GTPases do not activate PLD1b, we propose that activation results from phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase–dependent stimulation of Rac1, ARF6, and PKCα.

scholarly journals Baculoviruses as Vectors for Gene Therapy against Human Prostate Cancer

2003 ◽  
Vol 2003 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay J. Stanbridge ◽  
Vincent Dussupt ◽  
Norman J. Maitland
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Viral Entry ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Primary Tumour ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Attractive Alternative

Current curative strategies for prostate cancer are restricted to the primary tumour, and the effect of treatments to control metastatic disease is not sustained. Therefore, the application of gene therapy to prostate cancer is an attractive alternative. Baculoviruses are highly restricted insect viruses, which can enter, but not replicate in mammalian cells. Baculoviruses can incorporate large amounts of extra genetic material, and will express transgenes in mammalian cells when under the control of a mammalian or strong viral promoter. Successful gene delivery has been achieved both in vitro and in vivo and into both dividing and nondividing cells, which is important since prostate cancers divide relatively slowly. In addition, the envelope protein gp64 is sufficiently mutable to allow targeted transduction of particular cell types. In this review, the advantages of using baculoviruses for prostate cancer gene therapy are explored, and the mechanisms of viral entry and transgene expression are described.

EFFECTS OF ANAEROBIOSIS ON THE RATES OF MULTIPLICATION OF MAMMALIAN CELLS CULTURED IN VITRO

1960 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 871-878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Dales
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Glucose Utilization ◽  
Lactic Acid Production ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
In Vitro Cultures ◽  
Cell Multiplication ◽  
Embryonic Mouse ◽  
Mouse Cells ◽  
Oxidation Of Glucose

To test the effects of anaerobiosis on the rate of multiplication and carbohydrate metabolism of mammalian cells in vitro, cultures of a 'permanent' line, Earle's L strain cells, and of freshly explanted embryonic mouse cells were propagated in the presence and absence of oxygen. Contrary to the findings of several other investigators, our results show that the multiplication of both cell types was depressed by anaerobiosis. Anaerobiosis for at least 7 days, did not, however, bring about unbalanced growth in L cells, nor did it affect their capability to divide rapidly soon after they were returned to aerobic conditions. From the rates of glucose utilization, lactic acid production, and cell multiplication it was estimated that the rate of division in the two cell types studied was proportional to the energy which could be released from either glycolysis or complete oxidation of glucose.

scholarly journals A Novel Recombinant Plasma Membrane-targeted Luciferase Reveals a New Pathway for ATP Secretion

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 3659-3665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrizia Pellegatti ◽  
Simonetta Falzoni ◽  
Paolo Pinton ◽  
Rosario Rizzuto ◽  
Francesco Di Virgilio
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Folate Receptor ◽  
Atp Release ◽  
Chimeric Protein ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Firefly Luciferase ◽  
Spreading Activation ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Atp Secretion ◽  
Outer Aspect

ATP is emerging as an ubiquitous extracellular messenger. However, measurement of ATP concentrations in the pericellular space is problematic. To this aim, we have engineered a firefly luciferase-folate receptor chimeric protein that retains the N-terminal leader sequence and the C-terminal GPI anchor of the folate receptor. This chimeric protein, named plasma membrane luciferase (pmeLUC), is targeted and localized to the outer aspect of the plasma membrane. PmeLUC is sensitive to ATP in the low micromolar to millimolar level and is insensitive to all other nucleotides. To identify pathways for nonlytic ATP release, we transfected pmeLUC into cells expressing the recombinant or native P2X7 receptor (P2X7R). Both cell types release large amounts of ATP (100–200 μM) in response to P2X7R activation. This novel approach unveils a hitherto unsuspected nonlytic pathway for the release of large amounts of ATP that might contribute to spreading activation and recruitment of immune cells at inflammatory sites.

scholarly journals Polarization of fluorescein fluorescence in single cells.

1979 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Udkoff ◽  
A Norman
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Classical Model ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Wavelength Shift ◽  
Two Peaks ◽  
Vitro Data ◽  
P Distribution ◽  
In Vitro Data

Measurement of fluorescence polarization (P) gives information about the immediate environment of the fluorescent molecule. We used a flow polarimeter to investigate the factors influencing P of fluorescein in mammalian cells to determine whether such measurements are useful for characterizing heterogeneous cell populations. Fluorescein was introduced into cells by incubation with FDA. Measurements of the intensity of fluorescence (TI) and polarization (P) revealed an unexpected dependence: P decreased with increasing intensity of fluorescence. This may be accounted for by the classical model of the binding of small molecules to protein in which P is dependent on the ratio bound to unbound molecules. We have been able to estimate the quenching due to binding and construct a Scatchard plot. We estimated a wavelength shift from in vitro data consistent with the dependence of P on wavelength seen in our cell work. Generally, the distributions of P are symmetrical. Photon statistics broadens the P distribution of dim cells. However, structure does develop in the P distribution when the cells are deprived of calcium or incubated in the cold. This appears as a shoulder on the P distribution or resolves into two peaks. Calcium deprivation may differentially affect a subpopulation of cells whose significance remains to be explored in various cell types.

scholarly journals Single-Cell Techniques Using Chromosomally Tagged Fluorescent Bacteria To Study Listeria monocytogenes Infection Processes

2010 ◽  
Vol 76 (11) ◽  
pp. 3625-3636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damien Balestrino ◽  
M�lanie Anne Hamon ◽  
Laurent Dortet ◽  
Marie-Anne Nahori ◽  
Javier Pizarro-Cerda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Intracellular Replication ◽  
Infectious Process ◽  
Infection Processes

ABSTRACT Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen which invades different cell types, including nonphagocytic cells, where it is able to replicate and survive. The different steps of the cellular infectious process have been well described and consist of bacterial entry, lysis of the endocytic vacuole, intracellular replication, and spreading to neighboring cells. To study the listerial infectious process, gentamicin survival assays, plaque formation, and direct microscopy observations are typically used; however, there are some caveats with each of these techniques. In this study we describe new single-cell techniques based on use of an array of integrative fluorescent plasmids (green, cyan, and yellow fluorescent proteins) to easily, rapidly, and quantitatively detect L. monocytogenes in vitro and in vivo. We describe construction of 13 integrative and multicopy plasmids which can be used for detecting intracellular bacteria, for measuring invasion, cell-to-cell spreading, and intracellular replication, for monitoring in vivo infections, and for generating transcriptional or translational reporters. Furthermore, we tested these plasmids in a variety of epifluorescence- and flow cytometry-based assays. We showed that we could (i) determine the expression of a particular promoter during the cell cycle, (ii) establish in one rapid experiment at which step in the cell cycle a particular mutant is defective, and (iii) easily measure the number of infected cells in vitro and in mouse organs. The plasmids that are described and the methods to detect them are new powerful tools to study host-Listeria interactions in a fast, robust, and high-throughput manner.

Endosomal system of Paramecium: coated pits to early endosomes

1992 ◽  
Vol 101 (2) ◽  
pp. 449-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.D. Allen ◽  
C.C. Schroeder ◽  
A.K. Fok
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Fluid Phase ◽  
Early Endosome ◽  
Coated Vesicles ◽  
Striking Similarity ◽  
Coated Pits ◽  
Early Endosomes ◽  
Membrane Components ◽  
Endosomal System

A detailed morphological and tracer study of endocytosis via coated pits in Paramecium multimicronucleatum was undertaken to compare endocytic processes in a free-living protozoon with similar processes in higher organisms. Permanent pits at the cell surface enlarge, become coated and give rise to coated vesicles (188 +/− 41 nm in diameter) that enclose fluid-phase markers such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Both the pits and vesicles are labeled by the immunogold technique when a monoclonal antibody (mAb) raised against the plasma membrane of this cell is applied to cryosections. The HRP is delivered to an early endosome compartment, which also shares the plasma membrane antigen. The early endosome, as shown in quick-freeze deep-etch replicas of chemically unfixed cells, is a definitive non-reticular compartment composed of many individual flattened cisternal units of 0.2 to 0.7 microns diameter, each potentially bearing one or more approximately 80-nm-wide coated evaginations. These coated evaginations on the early endosomes contain HRP but are not labeled by the mAb. The coated evaginations pinch off to form a second group of coated vesicles (90 +/− 17 nm in diameter), which can be differentiated from those formed from coated pits by their smaller size, absence of plasma membrane antigen and their location somewhat deeper into the cytoplasm. This study shows a striking similarity between protozoons and mammalian cells in their overall early endosomal machinery and in the ability of early endosomes to sort cargo from plasma membrane components. The vesicles identified in this study form two distinct populations of putative shuttle vesicles, pre-endosomal (large) and early endosome-derived vesicles (small), which facilitate incoming and outgoing traffic from the early endosomes.

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