Actin and myosin and cell movement

Cytoskeleton and differentiation: effects of cytochalasin B and colchicine on expression of the differentiated phenotype of rabbit costal chondrocytes in culture

Cytochalasin B changed the shape of cultured rabbit costal chondrocytes from polygonal to nearly spherical and stimulated glycosaminoglycan synthesis, which is a differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes, whereas colchicine changed them from polygonal to flattened and inhibited glycosaminoglycan synthesis. These morphological changes occurred parallel with the changes in glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Induction of ornithine decarboxylase by parathyroid hormone, which is a good marker of differentiated chondrocytes, was markedly potentiated in the spherical cells which had been pretreated with cytochalasin B, whereas pretreatment with colchicine inhibited the induction of the enzyme. Both cytochalasin B and colchicine inhibited DNA synthesis. The inhibitions were observed after the appearance of changes in the morphology of the cells and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. These findings suggest that intactness of microtubules and disruption of microfilaments are involved in regulating the expression of the differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes in culture.

Regulation of reactivated contraction in teleost retinal cone models by calcium and cyclic adenosine monophosphate

We have been using lysed cell models of teleost retinal cones to examine the mechanism of contraction in nonmuscle cells. We have previously reported that dark-adapted retinas can be lysed with the detergent Brij-58 to obtain cone motile models that undergo Ca++- and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent reactivated contraction. In this report we further dissect the roles of ATP and Ca++ in activation of contraction and force production by (a) characterizing the Ca++ and nucleotide requirements in more detail, (b) by analyzing the effects of inosine triphosphate (ITP) and the ATP analog ATP gamma S and (c) by testing effects of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) on reactivated cone contraction. Exposing lysed cone models to differing free Ca++ concentrations produced reactivated contraction at rates proportional to the free Ca++ concentration between 3.16 X 10(-8) and 10(-6) M. A role for calmodulin (CaM) in this Ca++ regulation was suggested by the inhibition of reactivated contraction by the calmodulin inhibitors trifluoperazine and calmidazolium ( R24571 ). The results of analysis of nucleotide requirements in lysed cone models were consistent with those of smooth muscle studies suggesting a role for myosin phosphorylation in Ca++ regulation of contraction. ATP gamma S and ITP are particularly interesting in that ATP gamma S, on the one hand, can be used by kinases to phosphorylate proteins (e.g., myosin light chains) but resists cleavage by phosphatases or adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases), e.g., myosin ATPase. ITP, on the other hand, can be used by myosin ATPase but does not support Ca++/calmodulin mediated phosphorylation of myosin light chains by myosin light chain kinase. Thus, these nucleotides provide an opportunity to distinguish between the kinase and myosin ATPase requirements for ATP. When individual nucleotides were tested with cone motile models, the nucleotide requirement was highly specific for ATP; not only ITP and ATP gamma S, but also guanosine triphosphate, cytosine triphosphate, adenylyl-imidodiphosphate (AMPPNP) failed to support reactivated contraction when substituted for ATP throughout the incubation. However, if lysed cones were initially incubated with ATP gamma S and then subsequently incubated with ITP, the cones contracted to an extent that was comparable to that observed with ATP. As observed in skinned smooth muscle, adding cAMP to contraction medium strongly inhibited contraction in lysed cone models.

Effect of cytochalasin B and dihydrocytochalasin B on invasiveness of entero-invasive bacteria in HEp-2 cell cultures

The effect of cytochalasin B (CB) and di-hydrocytochalasin B (H2CB) on the invasiveness of Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri and Yersinia enterocolotica serotype 0:3 in HEp-2 cell cultures was examined. The intra-cellular and extra-cellular bacteria were identified by a combination of Nomarski interference contrast microscopy and UV incident light microscopy applied on the same light microscope. Pre-treatment of cells with CB and H2CB inhibited the uptake of S. typhimurium and S. flexneri in the HEp-2 cell cultures. The effect was time and dose dependent. On the other hand, the drugs did not influence the invasiveness of Y. enterocolitica. The results indicate that activity of cellular actin micro-filaments is essential for invasiveness of S. typhimurium and S. flexneri.

Studies on rat parotid-cell actomyosin

Actomyosin was partially purified from rat parotid cells dispersed by collagenase digestion and found to possess different solubility characteristics from that from (undispersed) rat parotid tissue. This is attributed to the decrease in vascular contamination effected by the isolation of parotid cells, yielding a non-muscle actomyosin [Adelstein, Conti, Johnson, Pastan & Pollard (1972) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 69, 3693-3697]. Myosin light-chain kinase was partially purified from dispersed rat parotid cells by calmodulin affinity chromatography and shown to be activated by Ca2+-calmodulin. The calmodulin content of dispersed rat parotid cells was shown to be 6.50 +/- 0.59 ng of calmodulin/micrograms of rat parotid-cell protein (mean +/- S.E.M.), as determined by the activation of purified bovine brain phosphodiesterase by heat-treated extracts of dispersed rat parotid cells.

Occurrence of caldesmon (a calmodulin-binding protein) in cultured cells: comparison of normal and transformed cells

Caldesmon is a calmodulin-binding and F-actin-binding protein originally purified from chicken gizzard smooth muscle. This protein binds to F-actin filaments in a Ca2+- and calmodulin-dependent "flip-flop" fashion, thereby regulating the function of actin filaments. Here we report that various lines of cultured cells contain a Mr 77,000 protein that specifically reacts with the affinity-purified caldesmon antibody raised against chicken gizzard caldesmon . Among the fibroblast proteins that had been pulse-labeled with [35S]methionine, the Mr 77,000 protein was the only protein band detected on the NaDodSO4 gel that reacted with the anticaldesmon . The subcellular distribution of the Mr 77,000 protein was investigated by the indirect immunofluorescence technique using the anticaldesmon . In all fibroblast cell lines examined, the immunofluorescence localized along the cellular stress fibers and in leading edges of the cell. In Rous sarcoma virus-transformed cells (S7-1), however, the distribution of the fluorescence changed to a diffuse and blurred appearance. These staining patterns of anticaldesmon obtained with the normal and transformed cells coincided with those of antiactin in the corresponding states, strongly suggesting the functional linkage between the Mr 77,000 protein and actin filaments. We propose to refer to this Mr 77,000 protein as caldesmon 77. The cellular level of caldesmon 77 in transformed S7-1 cells decreased to about one-third of that in their normal counterparts (cell line no. 7). Essentially the same result was obtained with normal rat kidney cells infected with the temperature-sensitive transformation mutant Schmidt-Ruppin strain of Rous sarcoma virus (68 N2 clone). The cellular level of caldesmon 77 observed at a permissive temperature (35 degrees C) was about one-third of that at a nonpermissive temperature (38.5 degrees C). These changes of caldesmon 77 in transformed cells may correlate with the loss of Ca2+ regulation in the transformed state.

The organization of actin filaments in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Actin constitutes a major component of the cytoskeleton of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). In this study, we present a comprehensive view of the organization of actin in various PMN regions and functional states. Transmission electron microscopic observations were made on whole mount, migrating, and phagocytizing PMNs. Positive identification of actin filaments was made through S-1 myosin subfragment labeling. In all PMNs studied, actin filaments were primarily organized as a three-dimensional meshwork. The density of this meshwork was greatest within the cell cortex. At peripheral regions of nonpolarized (viz., no distinct head or tail region) and polarized PMNs, actin filaments organized into parallel bundles or overlapping arcs. These bundles or arcs were oriented either perpendicular or parallel to the cell periphery. At the base of the PMN, actin filaments converged upon dense, plaquelike condensations. This latter pattern of actin organization was also observed in some pseudopods at the cell front and in phagocytic processes engulfing bacteria. In areas of internalized bacteria, the surrounding actin appeared as a loose meshwork. Treatment of PMNs with the antiactin drug, cytochalasin B, revealed shearing of the peripheral actin meshwork, condensation of the meshwork around the nuclear region, and dissolution of the basal plaquelike condensations.

Bidirectional polymerization of G-actin on the human erythrocyte membrane

The directional polymerization of actin on the erythrocyte membrane has been examined at various concentrations of G-actin by thin-section electron microscopy. For this purpose, a new experimental system using single-layered erythrocyte membranes with the cytoplasmic surfaces freely exposed was developed. The preformed actin filaments did not bind with the cytoplasmic surface of the erythrocyte membranes. When the erythrocyte membranes were incubated at low concentrations (0.3 and 0.5 microM) of G-actin, greater than 80% of polymerized actin filaments pointed toward the membranes mainly in an end-on fashion, as judged by arrowhead formation with heavy meromyosin. At higher concentrations (2 and 4 microM) of G-actin, about half of the polymerized actin filaments were directed with arrowheads pointing toward the membranes, while the rest of the filaments showed the opposite polarity pointing away from the membranes. The majority of polymerized actin filaments formed loops at the points of attachment to the membranes. In contrast, when G-actin (2 and 4 microM) in the presence of cytochalasin B was polymerized into filaments, approximately 70% showed the polarity pointing away from the membrane mainly in an end-on fashion. To check the treadmilling phenomena, the erythrocyte membranes with bidirectionally polymerized actin filaments were further incubated with G-actin at the overall critical concentration. In this case, almost all (90%) of actin filaments showed the polarity with arrowheads pointing toward the membranes. The results obtained are discussed with special reference to the mode of association of actin filaments with the plasma membrane in general.

alpha-skeletal and alpha-cardiac actin genes are coexpressed in adult human skeletal muscle and heart

We determined the actin isotypes encoded by 30 actin cDNA clones previously isolated from an adult human muscle cDNA library. Using 3' untranslated region probes derived from alpha-skeletal, beta- and gamma-actin cDNAs and from an alpha-cardiac actin genomic clone, we showed that 28 of the cDNAs correspond to alpha-skeletal actin transcripts. Unexpectedly, however, the remaining two cDNA clones proved to derive from alpha-cardiac actin mRNA. Sequence analysis confirmed that the two skeletal muscle alpha-cardiac actin cDNAs are derived from transcripts of the cloned alpha-cardiac actin gene. Direct measurements of actin isotype mRNA expression in human skeletal muscle showed that alpha-cardiac actin mRNA is expressed at 5% the level of alpha-skeletal actin. Furthermore, the alpha-cardiac actin gene expressed in skeletal muscle is the same gene which produces alpha-cardiac actin mRNA in the human heart. Of equal surprise, we found that alpha-skeletal actin mRNA accounts for about half of the total actin mRNA in adult heart. Comparison of total actin mRNA levels in adult skeletal muscle and adult heart revealed that the steady-state levels in skeletal muscle are about twofold greater, per microgram of total cellular RNA, than those in heart. Thus, in skeletal muscle and in heart, both of the sarcomeric actin mRNA isotypes are quite abundant transcripts. We conclude that alpha-skeletal and alpha-cardiac actin genes are coexpressed as an actin pair in human adult striated muscles. Since the smooth-muscle actins (aortic and stomach) and the cytoplasmic actins (beta and gamma) are known to be coexpressed in smooth muscle and nonmuscle cells, respectively, we postulate that coexpression of actin pairs may be a common feature of mammalian actin gene expression in all tissues.

Serotonin binds specifically and saturably to an actin-like protein isolated from rat brain synaptosomes

A soluble serotonin-binding protein was identified in a high-speed supernatant fraction of an osmotically shocked rat brain synaptosome (P2) preparation. The binding of serotonin was saturable (Bmax = 6.0 nmol per mg of protein) and was specific for serotonin and a few structurally related compounds including dopamine and norepinephrine. Binding of serotonin (1 microM) was inhibited approximately equal to 40% by chlorpromazine (10 microM). The affinity of serotonin for the binding protein was low in the crude extract (Kd = 1.7 X 10(-3)M). However, on purification by chromatography on a column of phenothiazine agarose, a higher affinity (Kd = 10(-5) M) binding component was also observed. The purified protein was greatly enriched in a polypeptide of Mr of 43,000 that comigrated on polyacrylamide gel with skeletal muscle actin. Muscle actin also bound serotonin, and the binding to actin was similar to that of the purified protein in both the specificity of the binding and the affinity for serotonin. It is likely that the serotonin-binding protein is identical to cytoplasmic G-actin or an actin-like protein of similar molecular weight.

A computer program for linear nonparametric and parametric identification of biological data

A computer program package for parametric ad nonparametric linear system identification of both static and dynamic biological data, written for an LSI-11 minicomputer with 28 K of memory, is described. The program has 11 possible commands including an instructional help command. A user can perform nonparametric spectral analysis and estimation of autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation functions of univariate data and estimate nonparametrically the transfer function and possibly an associated noise series of bivariate data. In addition, the commands provide the user the means to derive a parametric autoregressive moving average model for univariate data, to derive a parametric transfer function and noise model for bivariate data, and to perform several model evaluation tests such as pole-zero cancellation, examination of residual whiteness and uncorrelatedness with the input. The program, consisting of a main program and driver subroutine as well as six overlay segments, may be run interactively or automatically.

Organization and evolution of the actin gene family in sea urchins

Genomic libraries of the sea urchins Strongylocentrotus franciscanus and Lytechinus pictus were screened with an actin cDNA clone from Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Four nonoverlapping clones were isolated and characterized from the S. franciscanus library; three were isolated and characterized from the L. pictus library. Linked genes having the same transcriptional orientation were found on all S. franciscanus clones. Three clones contained two actin genes each; the other clone contained three. In contrast, the L. pictus clones contained only one actin gene. Comparison of actin genomic clones from these three species indicated a difference in the genomic organization of sea urchin actin genes in that the genes appear to be more highly clustered in S. franciscanus than in S. purpuratus and L. pictus. Genomic dot blots and reassociation kinetics demonstrated that the copy number of actin genes in all three species is 15 to 20. Nucleotide sequence homology of actin genes within and among the species was measured by thermal elution. These experiments indicated that there is a high degree of interspecies actin gene sequence homology but that, within each species, actin gene sequences may differ by as much as 30%. Sequencing of two S. franciscanus actin genes revealed introns at the same amino acid positions, 121 and 204, reported for S. purpuratus actin genes. These data demonstrated that the genomic copy number, the transcriptional orientation of linked genes, and, to the extent studied, the intron position of actin genes have evolved similarly in these three species. In contrast, significant change has occurred in the chromosomal arrangement of sea urchin actin genes.

Tropomyosin-enriched and alpha-actinin-enriched microfilaments isolated from chicken embryo fibroblasts by monoclonal antibodies

Antitropomyosin and anti-alpha-actinin monoclonal antibodies have been used to isolate two classes of microfilaments, i.e., tropomyosin-enriched and alpha-actinin-enriched microfilaments, respectively, from cultured chicken embryo fibroblasts. Electron microscopic studies of the isolated tropomyosin-enriched microfilaments showed periodic localization of tropomyosin along the microfilaments, with a 35-nm repeat. On the contrary, the isolated alpha-actinin-enriched microfilaments showed no obvious periodicity. Many individual alpha-actinin-enriched microfilaments with length greater than 1 micron (ranging from 1 to 10 microns) were aggregated by anti-alpha-actinin monoclonal antibodies. Both of the isolated microfilaments had the ability to activate the Mg2+-ATPase activity of skeletal muscle myosin, although different extents of activation were observed. These two classes of microfilaments also differed in their protein composition. Molar ratios of major identifiable proteins in the isolated microfilaments were alpha-actinin(dimer):actin(monomer):tropomyosin(dimer) = less than 0.02:8.06:1.00 for tropomyosin-enriched microfilaments and 0.44:13.91:1.00 for alpha-actinin-enriched microfilaments. By two-dimensional gel analysis of the isolated microfilaments, we have found seven spots which possess typical tropomyosin properties including pI 4.5, immunological cross-reaction, lack of proline and tryptophan, and heat stability. Pulse-chase experiments suggested that the assembly of microfilament-associated proteins, at least for alpha-actinin and tropomyosins, was coordinately regulated by the assembly of actin into microfilaments.

Actin microfilaments in paramecium: localization and role in intracellular movements

Using heavy meromyosin (HMM) or the fragment S1 of myosin as probes for actin microfilaments, we studied their organization in Paramecium both by fluorescence and electron microscopy. In interphasic cells, HMM decorates (a) most prominently the periphery of nascent and young food vacuoles and their route during the early phase of their intracellular transit; (b) a thin meshwork radiating from the gullet throughout the cytoplasm; (c) a small area beneath the pore of contractile vacuoles and beneath the cytoproct when open to release food residues. Most of these HMM-decorated structures are in close contact with microtubular arrays. All HMM decoration disappears in dividing cells and in cytochalasin-treated cells. In vivo, the drug immediately blocks food vacuole formation but does not affect cytokinesis, cyclosis, contractile vacuole pulsation, defecation, or nuclear movements. The data show that, as in the cells of other organisms, actin microfilaments form defined arrays that undergo physiologically controlled cycles of assembly/disassembly. These arrays contribute (at least in the phagocytotic process) to diverse types of movement: constriction, membrane fusion, and migration of food vacuoles. However, aside from their massive concentration along the phagocytotic tractus, actin microfilaments are neither major structural components of Paramecium cytoplasm nor the only cytoskeletal components ensuring motility or contractility processes.

1 kgf/cm2--the isometric tension of muscle contraction: implications to cross-bridge and hydraulic mechanisms

Attention is drawn to experimental results from many laboratories which indicate that the isometric force (F) in the contraction of striated muscle fibers is linearly proportional to their variable cross-section area (A). Reversible swelling of intact, skinned, or glycinerated fibers can be induced by changes in tonicity, ionic strength or pH. In all cases where careful measurements of F and A are reported, the maximal isometric tension namely, T = F/A, is found around 1 kgf /cm2, even though F and A may change more than threefold for a given fiber at a certain length. These results seem to be independent of the fiber length or temperature. Thus, the isometric tension T in striated muscle does not depend on the number or the rate of the interacting cross-bridges. This result of constant isometric tension, which has so far received little attention, is however, a simple prediction of the hydraulic mechanism which is proposed for muscle contraction. Therefore, the hydraulic model, which is based on the hypothesis of vectorial flux of energetic protons deserves serious consideration.

Nerve growth factor-induced neurite outgrowth of rat pheochromocytoma PC 12 cells: dependence on extracellular Mg2+ and Ca2+

Dependence of neurite outgrowth on extracellular Mg2+ and Ca2+ was studied in nerve growth factor-responsive pheochromocytoma PC 12 cells under assay conditions in which neurite formation was independent of both RNA synthesis and protein synthesis. NGF-induced neurite formation occurred maximally in the presence of extracellular Mg2+ at concentrations greater than 1.0 mM. However, extracellular Ca2+ alone did not stimulate the neurite formation, and inhibited this process at higher concentrations (greater than 10 mM). These data are consistent with the fact that NGF-mediated neurite extension occurred in assay medium containing either 1.0 mM EGTA or 0.5 mM LaCl3. Other divalent cations so far tested proved to be negative, suggesting that this phenomenon appears to be specific to Mg2+. Moreover, quantitative analysis revealed that the length and thickness of neurites formed were controlled by the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Thus, neurites formed at lower concentrations of Ca2+ in the presence of 1.0 mM Mg2+ and NGF were found to be thinner and longer than those formed at higher concentrations of Ca2+, suggesting that Ca2+ and Mg2+ have separate regulatory functions in the formation of neurites of PC 12 cells.

The nucleotide sequence of the chick cytoplasmic beta-actin gene

The nucleotide sequence of the chick beta-actin gene was determined. The gene contains 5 introns; 4 interrupt the translated region at codons 41/42, 120/122, 267, 327/328 and a large intron occurs in the 5' untranslated region. The gene has a 97 nucleotide 5'-untranslated region and a 594 nucleotide 3'-untranslated region. A slight heterogeneity in the position of the poly A addition site exists; polyadenylation can occur at either of two positions two nucleotides apart. The gene codes for an mRNA of 1814 or 1816 nucleotides, excluding the poly(A) tail. In contrast to the chick skeletal muscle actin gene the beta-actin gene lacks the Cys codon between the initiator ATG and the codon for the N-terminal amino acid of the mature protein. In the 5' flanking DNA, 15 nucleotides downstream from the CCAAT sequence, is a tract of 25 nucleotides that is highly homologous to the sequence found in the same region of the rat beta-actin gene.

Identification of a large multigene family encoding the major sperm protein of Caenorhabditis elegans

DNA fragments corresponding to genes encoding the MSP of Caenorhabditis elegans sperm have been isolated by recombinant DNA techniques. Analyses of individual genomic clones suggest that there are multiple MSP genes that are dispersed in the genome. From restriction enzyme digests of genomic DNA fractionated and hybridized with an MSP complementary DNA probe, there appear to be more than 30 MSP genes in the genome. Despite the occurrence of this large dispersed multigene family, the MSP messenger RNA from both males and hermaphrodites is homogene in size. There are at least three different proteins of identical molecular weight but different isoelectric point that cross-react with anti-MSP antisera. Each protein is a primary translation product with no detectable post-translational modifications, suggesting that at least three of the MSP genes are expressed.

Generation of asymmetry and segregation of germ-line granules in early C. elegans embryos

Germ-line granules in C. elegans embryos (P granules) can be visualized by immunofluorescence microscopy using a monoclonal antibody. In mutant zygotes with abnormal spindle orientations and in wild-type zygotes treated with the microtubule inhibitors nocodazole, colcemid, vinblastine, and griseofulvin, both P-granule segregation to the posterior pole and the concomitant pseudocleavage occur apparently normally, but the normally concurrent migration of the pronuclei is inhibited. Conversely, treatment of wild-type embryos with the microfilament inhibitors cytochalasins D and B inhibits P-granule segregation and pseudocleavage, as well as other manifestations of polarity, without preventing pronuclear migration. The results suggest that P-granule segregation does not require either the spindle or cytoplasmic microtubules, but that this process as well as generation of other asymmetries does require cytoskeletal functions that depend on microfilaments.

alpha-skeletal and alpha-cardiac actin genes are coexpressed in adult human skeletal muscle and heart

We determined the actin isotypes encoded by 30 actin cDNA clones previously isolated from an adult human muscle cDNA library. Using 3' untranslated region probes derived from alpha-skeletal, beta- and gamma-actin cDNAs and from an alpha-cardiac actin genomic clone, we showed that 28 of the cDNAs correspond to alpha-skeletal actin transcripts. Unexpectedly, however, the remaining two cDNA clones proved to derive from alpha-cardiac actin mRNA. Sequence analysis confirmed that the two skeletal muscle alpha-cardiac actin cDNAs are derived from transcripts of the cloned alpha-cardiac actin gene. Direct measurements of actin isotype mRNA expression in human skeletal muscle showed that alpha-cardiac actin mRNA is expressed at 5% the level of alpha-skeletal actin. Furthermore, the alpha-cardiac actin gene expressed in skeletal muscle is the same gene which produces alpha-cardiac actin mRNA in the human heart. Of equal surprise, we found that alpha-skeletal actin mRNA accounts for about half of the total actin mRNA in adult heart. Comparison of total actin mRNA levels in adult skeletal muscle and adult heart revealed that the steady-state levels in skeletal muscle are about twofold greater, per microgram of total cellular RNA, than those in heart. Thus, in skeletal muscle and in heart, both of the sarcomeric actin mRNA isotypes are quite abundant transcripts. We conclude that alpha-skeletal and alpha-cardiac actin genes are coexpressed as an actin pair in human adult striated muscles. Since the smooth-muscle actins (aortic and stomach) and the cytoplasmic actins (beta and gamma) are known to be coexpressed in smooth muscle and nonmuscle cells, respectively, we postulate that coexpression of actin pairs may be a common feature of mammalian actin gene expression in all tissues.

Organization and evolution of the actin gene family in sea urchins

Genomic libraries of the sea urchins Strongylocentrotus franciscanus and Lytechinus pictus were screened with an actin cDNA clone from Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Four nonoverlapping clones were isolated and characterized from the S. franciscanus library; three were isolated and characterized from the L. pictus library. Linked genes having the same transcriptional orientation were found on all S. franciscanus clones. Three clones contained two actin genes each; the other clone contained three. In contrast, the L. pictus clones contained only one actin gene. Comparison of actin genomic clones from these three species indicated a difference in the genomic organization of sea urchin actin genes in that the genes appear to be more highly clustered in S. franciscanus than in S. purpuratus and L. pictus. Genomic dot blots and reassociation kinetics demonstrated that the copy number of actin genes in all three species is 15 to 20. Nucleotide sequence homology of actin genes within and among the species was measured by thermal elution. These experiments indicated that there is a high degree of interspecies actin gene sequence homology but that, within each species, actin gene sequences may differ by as much as 30%. Sequencing of two S. franciscanus actin genes revealed introns at the same amino acid positions, 121 and 204, reported for S. purpuratus actin genes. These data demonstrated that the genomic copy number, the transcriptional orientation of linked genes, and, to the extent studied, the intron position of actin genes have evolved similarly in these three species. In contrast, significant change has occurred in the chromosomal arrangement of sea urchin actin genes.

Calcium control of actin-myosin based contraction in triton models of mouse 3T3 fibroblasts is mediated by the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)-calmodulin complex

Triton extraction of mouse 3T3 cells provides cellular models able to contract in a Ca2+-dependent manner upon exposure to MgATP. Such models reveal myosin kinase (MLCK) along their microfilaments and contraction is inhibited by antigen affinity-purified antibodies to gizzard MLCK. When extraction is performed at higher salt concentrations the models become non-contractile and immunofluorescence microscopy fails to detect the kinase. Inactive models can be functionally reactivated by exposure to exogenously provided purified kinase plus calmodulin present in the normal buffer. Reconstituted models again reveal microfilament-associated kinase. Functional reconstitution requires both the addition of kinase and calmodulin and does not occur in the presence of trifluoperazine. The combined results indicate that contractility of non-muscle cellular models is controlled by calmodulin-dependent MLCK acting on the actin-myosin-containing microfilaments with a calcium control exerted in the phosphorylation step of myosin.

Isolation and characterization of full-length cDNA clones for human alpha-, beta-, and gamma-actin mRNAs: skeletal but not cytoplasmic actins have an amino-terminal cysteine that is subsequently removed

cDNA clones encoding three classes of human actins have been isolated and characterized. The first two classes (gamma and beta, cytoplasmic actins) were obtained from a cDNA library constructed from simian virus 40-transformed human fibroblast mRNA, and the third class (alpha, muscle actin) was obtained from a cDNA library constructed from adult human muscle mRNA. A new approach was developed to enrich for full-length cDNAs. The human fibroblast cDNA plasmid library was linearized with restriction enzymes that did not cut the inserts of interest; it was then size-fractionated on gels, and the chimeric molecules of optimal length were selected for retransformation of bacteria. When the resulting clones were screened for actin-coding sequences it was found that some full-length cDNAs were enriched as much as 50- to 100-fold relative to the original frequency of full-length clones in the total library. Two types of clones were distinguished. One of these clones encodes gamma actin and contains 100 base pairs of 5' untranslated region, the entire protein coding region, and the 3' untranslated region. The second class encodes beta actin, and the longest such clone contains 45 base pairs of 5' untranslated region plus the remainder of the mRNA extending to the polyadenylic acid tail. A third class, obtained from the human muscle cDNA library, encodes alpha actin and contains 100 base pairs of 5' untranslated region, the entire coding region, and the 3' untranslated region. Analysis of the DNA sequences of the 5' end of the clones demonstrated that although beta- and gamma-actin genes start with a methionine codon (MET-Asp-Asp-Asp and MET-Glu-Glu-Glu, respectively), the alpha-actin gene starts with a methionine codon followed by a cysteine codon (MET-CYS-Asp-Glu-Asp-Glu). Since no known actin proteins start with a cysteine, it is likely that post-translational removal of cysteine in addition to methionine accompanies alpha-actin synthesis but not beta- and gamma-actin synthesis. This observation has interesting implications both for actin function and actin gene regulation and evolution.

Conserved pattern of embryonic actin gene expression in several sea urchins and a sand dollar

An examination of the size and relative abundance of actin-coding RNA in embryos of four sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, Arbacia punctulata, Lytechinus variegatus) and one sand dollar (Echinarachnius parma) reveals a generally conserved program of expression. In each species the relative abundance of these sequences is low in early embryos and begins to rise during late cleavage or blastula stages. In the four sea urchins, actin-coding RNAs increase between approximately 9- and 35-fold by pluteus or an earlier stage, and in the sand dollar about 5.5-fold by blastula. A major actin-coding RNA class of 2.0-2.2 kilobases (kb) is found in each species. A smaller actin-coding RNA class, which accumulates during embryogenesis, is also present in S. purpuratus (1.8 kb), S. droebachiensis (1.9 kb), and A. punctulata (1.6 kb), but apparently absent in L. variegatus and E. parma. In S. droebachiensis, actin-coding RNA is relatively abundant in unfertilized eggs and drops sharply by the 16-cell stage. This is in contrast to the other sea urchins where the actin message content is relatively low in eggs and does not change substantially in the embryos throughout early cleavage. The observations in this study suggest that the pattern of embryonic expression of at least some members of this gene family is ancient and conserved.

Distribution of actin, myosin and actin binding protein in platelets of patients with hyperlipoproteinemia

Significant anomalies in the quantity and relative distribution of the contractile proteins actin, myosin and actin binding protein (ABP) were observed in platelets obtained from patients with hyperbetalipoproteinemia (type IIa) and in patients with hypertriglyceridemia (type IV). Changes were observed in unfractionated platelets, (increased ABP in type IIa patients and increased actin in both type IIa and type IV) in isolated platelet membranes (increased ABP and actin in type IV, and increased myosin in type IIa) and in the KCl extract of platelets (increased actin in type IV and increased myosin in type IIa). The myosin ATPase specific activity was increased in platelets of type IV patients. No changes were observed in the concentrations and distribution of membrane glycoproteins in the platelets of these patients. The above anomalies in the contractile proteins might be relevant to the known functional anomalies of the platelets of patients with hyperlipoproteinemias.

Distribution and polarity of actin in inner ear supporting cells

Actin is present in the supporting cells of the chinchilla cochlea. Actin filaments which decorate with myosin subfragment S1 are found in both inner and outer pillar cells and in the Deiters' cells which surround outer hair cells. The opposing polarities of the S1 decorated actin filaments suggest that the supporting cells may play an active role in the structural support of the organ of Corti.

Transformation-sensitive isoactin in passaged chick embryo fibroblasts transformed by Rous sarcoma virus

Transformation by Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) has been reported to block the expression of differentiated cell products in chicken cells. The expression of these proteins may or may not be suppressed when temperature-sensitive mutants are shifted from the nonpermissive to the permissive temperature. A general characteristic of cellular transformation is the disruption of the microfilament system. In passaged chick embryo fibroblast cultures (CEF), this system is principally composed of isomeric forms of actin designated alpha, beta, and gamma by their isoelectric focusing and when subjected to SDS-PAGE behavior. We present evidence that an alpha-actin in CEF cultures, identified by its electrofocusing behavior, retention in the cytoskeleton, and DNase 1 binding properties, is selectively and dramatically reduced in amount upon transformation by RSV. Little or no reduction is observed in the beta- and gamma-isoactins. The reduction of alpha-actin is shown to be reversible and transformation related by use of a temperature-sensitive mutant, tsNY68. The decrease in this transformation-sensitive isoactin is apparently due to a decrease in synthesis, though other possibilities are discussed. A specific decrease in a particular isoactin after transformation may give insight into the mechanism by which the microfilaments are normally maintained.

Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. How do they function?

The central theme of this work has been the roles of the CTL receptor and of MHC-proteins in CTL recognition and lysis. A major conclusion that may be deduced from the work presented here is that one CTL receptor is responsible for both target cell recognition and lysis. Although their function as recognitive structures is well established, involvement of MHC-proteins in the events that follow recognition has not been investigated in detail. We have proposed that MHC-proteins are molecular mediators whereby CTL receptors transmit signals ultimately leading to lysis of the target cell. I see future work on CTL-mediated lysis proceeding in the following directions: 1. Verification and analysis of the precise role of MHC proteins in CTL recognition and lysis by use of cell and vesicle systems of defined composition and structure. 2. Study of CTL-mediated 'lethal hit' in systems enabling analysis of early events (millisecond level) preceding lysis. 3. Grafting of CTL receptor(s) activity onto naive cells, using liposomes or other vehicles, and 4. Production of idiotypic reagents such as monoclonal antibodies specific for the combining site/effector mechanism of CTL.

Isolation and characterization of full-length cDNA clones for human alpha-, beta-, and gamma-actin mRNAs: skeletal but not cytoplasmic actins have an amino-terminal cysteine that is subsequently removed

cDNA clones encoding three classes of human actins have been isolated and characterized. The first two classes (gamma and beta, cytoplasmic actins) were obtained from a cDNA library constructed from simian virus 40-transformed human fibroblast mRNA, and the third class (alpha, muscle actin) was obtained from a cDNA library constructed from adult human muscle mRNA. A new approach was developed to enrich for full-length cDNAs. The human fibroblast cDNA plasmid library was linearized with restriction enzymes that did not cut the inserts of interest; it was then size-fractionated on gels, and the chimeric molecules of optimal length were selected for retransformation of bacteria. When the resulting clones were screened for actin-coding sequences it was found that some full-length cDNAs were enriched as much as 50- to 100-fold relative to the original frequency of full-length clones in the total library. Two types of clones were distinguished. One of these clones encodes gamma actin and contains 100 base pairs of 5' untranslated region, the entire protein coding region, and the 3' untranslated region. The second class encodes beta actin, and the longest such clone contains 45 base pairs of 5' untranslated region plus the remainder of the mRNA extending to the polyadenylic acid tail. A third class, obtained from the human muscle cDNA library, encodes alpha actin and contains 100 base pairs of 5' untranslated region, the entire coding region, and the 3' untranslated region. Analysis of the DNA sequences of the 5' end of the clones demonstrated that although beta- and gamma-actin genes start with a methionine codon (MET-Asp-Asp-Asp and MET-Glu-Glu-Glu, respectively), the alpha-actin gene starts with a methionine codon followed by a cysteine codon (MET-CYS-Asp-Glu-Asp-Glu). Since no known actin proteins start with a cysteine, it is likely that post-translational removal of cysteine in addition to methionine accompanies alpha-actin synthesis but not beta- and gamma-actin synthesis. This observation has interesting implications both for actin function and actin gene regulation and evolution.

Heat(40 degrees C)-induced polypeptides in human embryonic fibroblasts

The synthesis of 3 polypeptides with molecular weights of 103-, 80- and 78-kdalton (K) was dramatically accelerated when the cultures of human embryonic fibroblasts were transferred from 37 to 40 degrees C. The induction of these polypeptides was not observed if actinomycin D was added to the cultures at the beginning of the rising of the temperature, indicating that this response may be mediated by increased transcription of their messenger RNA.

Immunohistochemical localization of troponin-C in cultured neurons

Our previous immunofluorescence studies on neurons have demonstrated the presence of myosin in regions of neurons which contained actin. To determine if a system similar to the troponin complex of striated muscle is present in neurons, antibody shown to be specific for the calcium-binding component of troponin (troponin-C) was applied to cultures of embryonic chick and rat dorsal root ganglia. Neurites treated with anti-troponin-C exhibited a bright fluorescence. Accompanying non-neuronal cells were less reactive than the neuronal elements. Immunodiffusion and immunofluorescence showed that the anti-troponin-C did not react with calmodulin, whereas homogenates of the ganglia elicited a positive immunochemical reaction with the anti-troponin-C in Ouchterlony tests. Our results suggest that some intra-axonal movements may be generated by the interaction of actin and myosin and controlled in part by a calcium-troponin-C-dependent mechanism.

Actin gene family of Caenorhabditis elegans

Four actin genes have been isolated from Caenorhabditis elegans that account for all of the major actin hybridization to total genomic DNA. Actin genes I, II and III are clustered within a 12 X 10(3) base region; gene IV is unlinked to the others. All four genes have been sequenced from at least nucleotide -109 to +250. Genes I and III are identical for the first 307 coding nucleotides. Genes I and II differ in 14 positions within the first 250 coding nucleotides; one difference substitutes an aspartic acid for a glutamic acid at codon 5. Genes I and IV differ in 18 positions within the first 259 coding nucleotides without causing any amino acid differences. Genes I, II and III have introns after the first nucleotide of codon 64 and gene IV has an intron between codons 19 and 20. The four nucleotide sequences thus far define two different amino acid sequences. Both of the amino acid sequences resemble vertebrate cytoplasmic actin more than vertebrate muscle actin. A DNA polymorphism between the Bristol and Bergerac strains has been used as a phenotypic marker in genetic crosses to map the cluster of actin genes within a 2% recombination interval on linkage group V between unc-23 and sma-1 in order to begin a molecular genetic analysis of the actin loci.

Studies on the mechanisms of neurulation in the chick: possible involvement of myosin in elevation of neural folds

The possible involvement of myosin in elevation of neural folds in the chick was studied. Indirect immunofluorescence revealed the presence of myosin in the neuroepithelium as early as the neural-plate stage and was concentrated in the apical regions of neuroepithelial cells where microfilaments are known to be organized into discrete bundles. This fluorescent pattern persisted until closure of the neural tube. Actin-specific fluorescence followed a similar distribution pattern as myosin. Diazepam (Valium/Roche), at 400 micrograms/ml, was found to preferentially inhibit elevation of neural folds in explanted stage 8 embryos within 6 hr of incubation. Affected neuroepithelial cells were often less elongated, contained thinner and less conspicuous microfilament bundles, and had apical surfaces which were smoother and broader than the controls. These morphological changes were accompanied by a considerable reduction in the intensity of myosin-specific fluorescence, particularly in the cell apices. Results suggest that (1) diazepam inhibits elevation of neural folds through its disruptive effects on the organization and contractility of apical microfilament bundles in developing neuroepithelial cells and (2) myosin may be directly involved in elevation of neural folds.

Two Drosophila actin genes in detail. Gene structure, protein structure and transcription during development

DNA fragments representing the six Drosophila actin genes have been isolated by recombinant DNA techniques. We have compared the transcriptional characteristics of the actin genes at the cytological loci 79B and 88F. The activity of each gene in vivo was examined using gene-specific probes from transcribed, but non-translated 3' regions of each gene. The genes show similar patterns of transcriptional activity during development until the pupal stage, with two periods showing RNA accumulation at two to three hours and 12 to 15 hours during embryonic development, followed by large increases in the proportion of message from each gene in first and second instar larvae. During pupal development, the 88F gene apparently produces a larger proportion of transcripts than at any other developmental stage, while the transcripts of the 79B gene are reduced to a level lower than in first and second instar larvae. The 5' end of each messenger RNA in larvae has been mapped by nuclease S1 digestion of hybrids between restriction fragments of genes and homologous mRNAs. The two genes display widely differing capacities to serve as templates for transcription in vitro in HeLa cell extracts. The complete DNA sequences of both genes including the flanking regions immediately 3' and 5' to the gene are presented. These data permit comparison of the DNA sequences of these Drosophila actin genes with each other and with the DNA sequence and protein sequence information available for the actins of Drosophila and other organisms. These two genes share the common structural feature of an intervening sequence at amino acid 307, though the sequences within each intron differ greatly. This may be a reflection of a duplication event, followed by divergence of the intervening sequences. We discuss possible correlations between the DNA sequences of each 5' flanking region and the differences in transcriptional characteristics of these two distinct but closely related genes.

A method for studying the three-dimensional organization of cytoskeletal elements of cells: improvements in the polyethylene glycol technique

A method utilizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) as an extractable embedment for electron microscopy is described. Tissues are fixed according to conventional protocols, embedded in PEG, and sectioned. Sections (ranging from 100 to 500 nm in thickness) are mounted on grids, divested of their PEG matrix, critical-point-dried, and examined stereoscopically. This method greatly facilitates studies on the three-dimensional organization of cytoskeletal and cytoplasmic contractile systems in both muscle and nonmuscle cells.

Stimulation of lymphocyte receptor capping by the ionophore monensin

The carboxylic ionophore monensin has a biphasic effect on antibody-induced Thy-1 cap formation. At higher concentrations, 5 X 10(-6)-5 X 10(-5) M monesin causes a significant inhibition of receptor capping similar to that previously found with the Ca2+ selective ionophore A23187. At lower concentrations, 5 X 10(-8)-5 X 10(-7) M capping is stimulated. It is concluded that capping at lower ionophore concentrations is a specific response to the ability of monensin to induce a rise in intracellular Na+, which indirectly elevates intracellular Ca2+ activity. This in turn activates the contractile machinery required for the aggregation of surface receptors into capped structures. At higher concentrations monensin acts as a nonspecific detergent, which causes detrimental structural alterations in some of the membrane components involved in the capping process.

N-ethylmaleimide-modified subfragment-1 and heavy meromyosin inhibit reactivated contraction in motile models of retinal cones

The mechanism of contraction in motile models of teleost retinal cones has been examined by using N-ethylmaleimide (NEM)-modified myosin fragments (NEM-S-1 and NEM-heavy meromyosin [HMM]) to prevent access of native myosin to actin filaments during reactivation of contraction. In the diurnal light/dark cycle, retinal cones of green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) and bluegill (lepomis macrochirus) exhibit length changes of more than 90 mum. The motile myoid region of the cone contracts from 100 mum in the dark to 6 mum in the light. Motile models for cone contraction have been obtained by lysis of dark-adapted retinas with the non-ionic detergent, Brij-58. These cone motile models undergo Ca(++)-and ATP-dependent reactivated contraction, with morphology and rate comparable to those observed in vivo (Burnside, B.,B. Smith, M. Nagata, and K. Porrello, 1982, J. Cell Biol., 92:198-206). The cone myoids contain longitudinally oriented actin filaments which bind myosin subfragment-1 (S-1) to form characteristic "arrowhead" complexes which dissociate in the presence of MgATP (Burnside, B., 1978, J. Cell Biol., 78:227-246). Modification of S-1 or HMM with the sulfhydryl reagent, NEM, produces new species, NEM-S-1 or NEM-HMM, which still bind actin but which fail to detach in the presence of MgATP (Meeusen, R.L., and W.Z. Cande, 1979, J. Cell Biol., 82:57-65). We have used NEM-S-1 and NEM-HMM to test whether cone contraction depends on an actomyosin force- generating system. We find that reactivated contraction of cone models is inhibited by NEM-S-1 and NEM-HMM but not by the unmodified species, S-1 and HMM. Thus, reactivated cone contraction exhibits NEM-S-1 and NEM-HMM sensitivity as well as Ca(++)- and ATP- dependence. These observations are consistent with and actimyosin-mediated mechanism for force production during cone contraction.

Ciliary but not saltatory movements are inhibited by vanadate microinjected into living cultured cells

To test the idea that saltatory organelle movements of nonmuscle cells might be driven by microtubule-dynein interactions, we microinjected vanadate into several different types of cultured cell. Solutions of sodium metavanadate made up in a simple buffered salt solution were pressure microinjected into fully spread cells in an open-topped culture chamber placed on the stage of an inverted microscope. The cells were observed by oil-immersion phase-contrast optics and results were recorded on movie film. Vanadate, at 10(-5)-10(-2) M, microinjected into cultured chick embryo fibroblasts, failed to inhibit organelle movements. To test the effectiveness of vanadate's inhibitory action under living cell conditions, ciliated epithelial cells were microinjected. In these cells even the smallest microinjection of 5 X 10(-5) M vanadate caused an immediate cessation of ciliary beating. Moreover, in cells that were well spread it was found that whereas vanadate, at 5 X 10(-5)-5 X 10(-3) M, inhibited ciliary motion, it failed to inhibit organelle saltations in the same cell. To determine whether vanadate would inhibit a living actin-myosin system, myocardial cells were also microinjected. Following microinjection of 5 X 10(-5) and 5 X 10(-4) M vanadate a temporary tonic contraction (which also occurred following microinjection of buffer alone) was followed by regular beating. Taken together these results demonstrate that in living cell systems microtubule-dynein interactions are as sensitive to vanadate inhibition as they are in demembranated model systems, and that a working actin-myosin system in a living muscle cell does not share this great sensitivity. In light of the pronounced differential inhibitory effects of vanadate on the movements of cilia and organelles, our results suggest that saltatory organelle movements in chick embryo fibroblasts and rabbit oviduct epithelial cells are unlikely to be brought about by microtubule-dynein interactions.

Changes in cytoskeletal proteins of polymorphonuclear leukocytes induced by chemotactic peptides

Changes in the state of polymerization of actin and phosphorylation of myosin have been observed in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) soon after the addition of the chemotactic peptide N-formylnorleucylleucylphenylalanine. At a time when the cells are observed to extend many ruffles or lamellipodia from their surface, the fraction of the cellular actin present in a monomeric form is decreased by about 25% as assayed by the ability of the G-actin to inhibit DNAase. These changes are temporally correlated with an increase in the staining by nitrobenzooxadiazole (NBD)-phallacidin, a probe that binds F-actin selectively. The NBD-phallacidin staining is observed in the surface ruffles. When the peptide concentration is decreased by addition of a tenfold excess of buffer, cells withdraw their surface ruffles and form blebs. These changes correlate with an increase in the G-actin levels detected with the DNAase inhibition assay. An increase in phosphorylation of the 20,000-dalton light chain of myosin is also observed in leukocytes stimulated by addition of chemotactic peptide. These observations of changes in cytoskeletal proteins of PMNs provide a beginning for further studies on the regulation of cell motility by chemotactic factors.