Polypeptides similar to the alpha and beta subunits of tubulin are exposed on the neuronal surface

Tubulin anchoring to glycolipid-enriched, detergent-resistant domains of the neuronal plasma membrane

After incubation of intact living cultured rat cerebellar granule cells at 37 degrees C with a new GM1 ganglioside analog, carrying a diazirine group and labeled with (125)I in the ceramide moiety, followed by photoactivation, a relatively small number of radiolabeled proteins were detected in a membrane-enriched fraction. A protein of about 55 kDa with a pI of about 5 carried a large portion of the radioactivity even if incubation and cross-linking were performed at 4 degrees C and in the presence of inhibitors of endocytosis, suggesting that it is cross-linked at the plasma membrane. Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting experiments showed the positivity of this protein for tubulin. Trypsin treatment of intact cells ruled out the involvement of a plasma membrane surface tubulin. Release of radioactivity from cross-linked tubulin after KOH treatment (but not hydroxylamine treatment) suggested that the photoactivated ganglioside reacts with an ester-linked fatty acid anchor of tubulin. Low buoyancy, detergent-resistant membrane fractions, isolated from cells after incubation with the GM1 analogue and photoactivation, proved their enrichment in endogenous and radioactive GM1 ganglioside, sphingomyelin, cholesterol, signal transduction proteins, and tubulin. It is noteworthy that radioactive tubulin was also detected in this fraction, indicating the presence of tubulin molecules carrying a fatty acid anchor in detergent-resistant, ganglioside-enriched domains of the plasma membrane. Parallel experiments carried out with a phosphatidylcholine analogue, also carrying a diazirine group and labeled with (125)I in the fatty acid moiety, showed the specificity of tubulin interaction with GM1. Taken together, these results indicate that some tubulin molecules are associated with a lipid anchor to detergent-resistant glycolipid-enriched domains of the plasma membrane. This novel feature of membrane domains can provide a key for a better understanding of their biological role.

Immunocytochemical localization of actin and tubulin in the integument of land crab (Gecarcinus lateralis) and lobster (Homarus americanus)

The crustacean integument consists of the exoskeleton and underlying epithelium and associated tissues. The epithelium, which is composed of a single layer of cells, is responsible for the cyclical breakdown and synthesis of the exoskeleton associated with molting (ecdysis). During premolt (proecdysis) the epithelial cells lengthen and secrete the two outermost layers (epicuticle and exocuticle) of the new exoskeleton while partially degrading the two innermost layers (endocuticle and membranous layer) of the overlying old exoskeleton. This increased cellular activity is associated with increased protein synthesis and a change in cell shape from cuboidal to columnar. The cytoskeleton, composed of microfilaments (actin) and microtubules (tubulin), plays important roles in the intracellular organization and motility of eukaryotic cells. Immunoblot analysis shows that the land crab exoskeleton contains actin, tubulin, and actin-related proteins (Varadaraj et al. 1996. Gene 171:177-184). In the present study, immunocytochemistry of land crab and lobster integument showed that both proteins were localized in various cell types, including epithelia, connective tissue, tendinal cells, and blood vessels. Muscle immunostained for actin and myosin, but not for tubulin. The membranous layer of land crab (the other layers of the exoskeleton were not examined) and membranous layer and endocuticle of lobster also reacted specifically with anti-beta-actin and anti-alpha-tubulin monoclonal antibodies, but not with an anti-myosin heavy chain antibody. During proecdysis immunolabeling of the membranous layer decreased probably due to protein degradation. The staining intensity for actin and tubulin in the proecdysial epithelium was similar to that in the intermolt (anecdysial) epithelium, suggesting that there was a net accumulation of both proteins proportional to the increase in cellular volume. These results support the previous biochemical analyses and, more specifically, localize actin and tubulin in exoskeletal structures, suggesting that they may serve both intracellular and extracellular functions in crustaceans. J. Exp. Zool. 286:329-342, 2000.

Mitochondrial proteins at unexpected cellular locations: export of proteins from mitochondria from an evolutionary perspective

Researchers in a wide variety of unrelated areas studying functions of different proteins are unexpectedly finding that their proteins of interest are actually mitochondrial proteins, although functions would appear to be extramitochondrial. We review the leading current examples of mitochondrial macromolecules indicated to be also present outside of mitochondria that apparently exit from mitochondria to arrive at their destinations. Mitochondrial chaperones, which have been implicated in growth and development, autoimmune diseases, cell mortality, antigen presentation, apoptosis, and resistance to antimitotic drugs, provide some of the best studied examples pointing to roles for mitochondria and mitochondrial proteins in diverse cellular phenomena. To explain the observations, we propose that specific export mechanisms exist by which certain proteins exit mitochondria, allowing these proteins to have additional functions at specific extramitochondrial sites. Several possible mechanisms by which mitochondrial proteins could be exported are discussed. Gram-negative proteobacteria, from which mitochondria evolved, contain a number of different mechanisms for protein export. It is likely that mitochondria either retained or evolved export mechanisms for certain specific proteins.

Proteins in unexpected locations

Members of all classes of proteins--cytoskeletal components, secreted growth factors, glycolytic enzymes, kinases, transcription factors, chaperones, transmembrane proteins, and extracellular matrix proteins--have been identified in cellular compartments other than their conventional sites of action. Some of these proteins are expressed as distinct compartment-specific isoforms, have novel mechanisms for intercompartmental translocation, have distinct endogenous biological actions within each compartment, and are regulated in a compartment-specific manner as a function of physiologic state. The possibility that many, if not most, proteins have distinct roles in more than one cellular compartment has implications for the evolution of cell organization and may be important for understanding pathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and cancer.

Subcellular localization of iodinated thyroid tubulin

Subcellular fractions enriched in mitochondria, plasma membranes, microsomes and Golgi apparatus were obtained from thyroid glands of rats injected with I125. Autoradiography of SDS-polyacrylamide gels revealed the presence of a number of radiolabelled proteins in each membrane fraction. One polypeptide, with the same electrophoretic mobility as brain tubulin, was found in all fractions except the plasma membranes and was immunoprecipitated with commercial anti-tubulin monoclonal antibodies. Hydrolysis of Asp-Pro linkages of I125 labelled tubulin with formic acid indicated that there were iodination sites in both the carboxy terminal one third and the amino terminal two thirds of the molecule. These results, together with the absence of iodinated tubulin from the cytosolic fraction, are consistent with the idea that a population of thyroid membrane tubulin is iodinated at multiple sites either just before or after insertion into intracellular membranes where it may act as an anchorage point for microtubule-membrane interactions.

Comparison of the neurotoxic effects of colchicine, the vinca alkaloids, and other microtubule poisons

Previous studies have revealed that colchicine is selectively toxic to certain neuronal populations in the CNS, particularly granule cells of the dentate gyrus. The present study evaluates whether other microtubule poisons exhibit similar neurotoxic effects. Equimolar solutions of colchicine, colcemid, podophyllotoxin, vinblastine, vincristine and lumicolchine, the non-binding analog of colchicine, were injected into the dentate gyrus. Neurotoxicity was evaluated histologically. As previously reported, colchicine selectively destroyed dentate granule cells with minimal damage to other neurons including hippocampal pyramidal cells. Vincristine was very toxic and was not selective for granule cells. Vinblastine was relatively selective in destroying granule cells, but was not as potent as colchine. Colcemid and podophyllotoxin had minimal toxic effects. Lumicolchine injections caused no more damage than injections of vehicle. This ordering appears to correlate with the reversibility of binding tubulin.

Triton X-100 extractions of central nervous system myelin indicate a possible role for the minor myelin proteins in the stability in lamellae

Isolated CNS myelin membranes were extracted with Triton X-100 under conditions previously established for the isolation of cytoskeletal proteins. Treated myelin retained much of its characteristic lamellar structure despite the removal of most of the major myelin basic protein (18.5 kDa) and the proteolipid protein, which together normally constitute 60% of the total myelin protein. The SDS-PAGE profile of this extract residue demonstrated an enrichment in proteins of Mr 30 to 60 kilodaltons (the Wolfgram group). The major myelin proteins were identified by antibodies on Western immunoblots, as were the 2'3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP), actin, tubulin, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MGP) and the 21.5 kDA MBP. The overall behavior of CNP, the 21.5 kDa MBP, MGP and tubulin towards Triton extraction is reminiscent of the behavior of other membrane-skeletal complexes, supporting the idea that these and other minor myelin proteins might be part of heteromolecular complexes with interactions spanning several lamellae of the myelin sheath.

Cellulose-microfibril-orienting mechanisms in plant cells walls

A brief review is given of the changing views over the years, as knowledge of wall structure has developed, concerning the mechanism whereby cellulose chains may be oriented. This leads to an examination of current concepts, particularly those concerning microtubules. It is shown that none of the mechanisms suggested whereby microtubules might cause orientation of cellulose microfibrils is consistent with the known range of molecular architectures found in plant cell walls. It is further concluded that any mechanism which necessitates an indissoluble link between the plasmalemma and the cellulose-synthesising complex at the tip of a microfibril is unacceptable. A new proposal is presented in which it is speculated that both microtubules and microfibrils are oriented by a mechanism separate from both. It is shown that if two vectors are contemplated, one parallel to cell length and one at right angles, and a sensor exists on the plasmalemma surface which responds to changes in the vectors, then all known wall structures may be explained. The possible nature of the vectors and the sensor are considered.

Phosphorylation of tubulin enhances its interaction with membranes

Tubulin, the main component of intracellular microtubules, is also a major protein in subcellular membrane preparations and can interact with biological and artificial membranes in vitro. Of particular interest is the association of tubulin with postsynaptic junctional lattices enriched in a polypeptide of relative molecular mass (Mr) 50,000 (50K), recently identified as the major subunit of the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. Phosphorylation of tubulin with a calmodulin-dependent protein kinase similar to that found in postsynaptic densities inhibits its ability to self-assemble into microtubules in a reversible fashion. This involves the phosphorylation of residues in its 4K carboxy-terminal region, a domain that seems to regulate its self-assembly. The results presented here suggest that the phosphorylation of tubulin with this kinase enhances its ability to interact with membranes. This effect is reversible.

A Trypanosoma cruzi monoclonal antibody that recognizes a superficial tubulin-like antigen

A monoclonal antibody (MAB 10), obtained from mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, was found to recognize a superficial antigen in living or fixed parasites. It reacted more strongly with T. cruzi than with related parasites such as T. brucei and Leishmania. In immunoblots it recognized a single trypanosoma polypeptide and also brain tubulin, both of which had the same electrophoretic mobility. Further analysis suggested that the alpha-tubulin subunit contained the epitope recognized by MAB 10. These results suggest that a surface tubulin-like protein is present is T. cruzi.

The interaction between a Na+-channel toxin and brain microtubule proteins in vitro

The aim of this work was to characterize the interaction of the Na+-channel toxin, purified from venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus, with microtubule proteins in vitro. The toxin enhanced microtubule assembly, causing the formation of microtubule 'bundles'. It interacted with the Na+-channel 270 kDa subunit and was subsequently found to be unrelated to high molecular weight microtubule-associated protein with respect to apparent molecular weight and toxin binding. However, the radiolabelled toxin bound to tubulin, although with a much lower affinity than that published for the reconstituted Na+-channel. This binding appears to occur in the carboxy terminal 4 kDa region of tubulin. These results may reflect a secondary action of the toxin involved in binding to its receptors in the neural plasma membrane.

In vitro studies of the biosynthesis of brain tubulin on membranes

Membrane elements in brain tissue contain relatively large amounts of alpha- and beta-tubulin (FIGURES 2 and 3). We have investigated the subcellular sites of tubulin biosynthesis in order to determine the origin of this membrane-associated tubulin. Free and membrane-bound polysomes from rat forebrain were separated by differential centrifugation, and the products of translation from these polysome populations were analyzed by 2DGE (FIGURES 4 and 6). Alpha- and beta-tubulin subunits were synthesized by the free polysome population (FIGURES 4 and 5A and B). The membrane-bound polysome fraction synthesized a protein with similar (but not identical) characteristics to alpha-tubulin (denoted as "MB" in FIGURE 6), including isoelectric point, molecular weight, peptide map, and copurification with microtubules after aggregation-disaggregation. Tubulin subunits synthesized in vitro by free polysomes could associate posttranslationally with a microsome fraction (FIGURE 7A). The association of the tubulin translation products with membranes was not disrupted by high salt; the associated tubulin, however, was susceptible to proteolytic digestion, with the exception of one of the beta-tubulin subunits (FIGURE 7B). There was an identical protease-resistant beta-tubulin subunit among the native proteins of the smooth microsome fractions. Our data is consistent with the conclusion that at least one beta subunit of membrane-associated tubulin is synthesized by free polysomes and becomes posttranslationally added to membrane structures. It is unlikely that a cotranslational mechanism is responsible, in which there is a signal-mediated insertion of a growing polypeptide chain to membrane. Our results, however, are consistent with a "membrane trigger" mechanism proposed by Wickner in which the membrane lipid bilayer triggers the folding of a polypeptide into a configuration that allows integral membrane insertion. The association of tubulin with membranes may also be secondary to the interaction of hydrophobic elements. The amino acid sequence of beta tubulin is known to contain several hydrophobic domains. Tubulin can be incorporated into phospholipid vesicles and various subcellular membrane elements. In our studies, in vitro synthesized tubulin from free polysome was found to be purified by hydrophobic affinity chromatography with ethane-sepharose (FIGURE 8). Thus, the hydrophobic characteristics of newly synthesized tubulin could be partially responsible for the posttranslational association of tubulin subunit with membranes. Native tubulin in a soluble fraction of CNS tissue was not purified by hydrophobic affinity chromatography.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Mr 205,000 sulfoglycoprotein in extracellular matrix of mouse fibroblast cells is immunologically related to high molecular weight microtubule-associated proteins

Rabbit antibodies raised against microtubule-associated protein 1 (MAP-1) from hog brain were found to crossreact with extracellular matrix components of mouse BALB/c 3T3 cell cultures. As shown by immunofluorescence microscopy of confluent cell cultures, the extracellular MAP-related antigen was located on dense fibrillar network arrays underlying and surrounding the cells. The immunoreactive material was sensitive to trypsin but resistant to collagenase. The microtubule-disrupting drug colcemid had no visible effect on the morphology of the anti-MAP-stained network, whereas treatment with cytochalasin B provoked its abolishment. Simian virus 40-transformed BALB/c 3T3 cells expressed considerably less extracellular antigen than did the nontransformed cells. After in vivo radiolabeling of BALB/c 3T3 cells, a secreted polypeptide of Mr 205,000 was isolated by immuno-precipitation from culture media as well as from cell-free extracellular matrices. This antigen was identified as a sulfoglycoprotein, noncollageneous in nature, that undergoes intermolecular disulfide bonding. Anti-MAP-1 antibodies affinity-purified on the extracellular Mr 205,000 protein were immunoreactive with MAP-1 and MAP-2 from brain and decorated cytoplasmic microtubules as demonstrated by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence microscopy. Thus, a structural relationship between cytoskeletal and extracellular polypeptides is demonstrated.

Subunit composition specific to axonally transported tubulin

One week after injection of L-[35S]methionine into the dorsal motor nuclei of the guinea-pig, labelled tubulin carried down the vagal nerve by the slow phase of axonal transport was analysed by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Transported tubulin showed a much stronger labelling of the beta-subunit. Isoelectric focussing revealed that both alpha- and beta-subunits were composed of several components. Labelled tubulin was isolated from the brain by cycles of polymerisation and depolymerisation after injection of L-[35S]methionine into the lateral ventricle, for comparison with transported tubulin from the vagal nerve. In addition to the two alpha-components and three beta-components detected in both preparations, axonally transported tubulin contained an extra component (TAX) with a molecular weight corresponding to that of beta-tubulin and with the same isoelectric point as alpha-tubulin. The axon-specific component TAX co-polymerised with tubulin isolated from the brain. Upon peptide mapping by limited proteolysis, the peptide pattern generated from TAX was similar to that of the alpha-tubulin. It is concluded that the axonally transported tubulin contains a modified alpha-subunit which is not found in the bulk of brain tubulin.

Reconstitution of ciliary membranes containing tubulin

Membranes from the gill cilia of the mollusc Aequipecten irradians may be solubilized readily with Nonidet P-40. When the detergent is removed from the solution by adsorption to polystyrene beads, the proteins of the extract remain soluble. However, when the solution is frozen and thawed, nearly all of the proteins reassociate to form membrane vesicles, recruiting lipids from the medium. The membranes equilibrate as a narrow band (d = 1.167 g/cm3) upon sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The lipid composition of reconstituted membranes (1:2 cholesterol:phospholipids) closely resembles that of the original extract, as does the protein content (45%). Ciliary calmodulin is the major extract protein that does not associate with the reconstituted membrane, even in the presence of 1 mM calcium ions, suggesting that it is a soluble matrix component. The major protein of reconstituted vesicles is membrane tubulin, shown previously to differ hydrophobically from axonemal tubulin. The tubulin is tightly associated with the membrane since extraction with 1 mM iodide or thiocyanate leaves a vesicle fraction whose protein composition and bouyant density are unchanged. Subjecting the detergent-free membrane extract to a freeze-thaw cycle in the presence of elasmobranch brain tubulin or forming membranes by warming the extract in the presence of polymerization-competent tubulin yields a membrane fraction with little incorporated brain tubulin. This suggests that ciliary membrane tubulin specifically associates with lipids, whereas brain tubulin preferentially forms microtubules.

The effect of toxin from Leiurus quinquestriatus scorpion venom on the polymerization and stability of microtubules

The venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus, well-known for its actions on voltage-sensitive sodium channels, has now been shown to have pronounced effects on the in vitro polymerization and stability of neuronal microtubules purified by temperature-dependent cycles of assembly and disassembly. The crude venom, at concentrations as low as 100 micrograms/ml, alters both the extent of tubulin polymerization, as monitored by turbidity, and the appearance of polymerized material under electron microscopic examination. Structures formed in the presence of the venom retain the temperature sensitivity characteristic of normal microtubules, but respond to calcium ions abnormally with a dispersal of ordered structures, as reflected by both increased light scattering and electron microscopic analysis. Fractionation of the crude venom suggested that the active component was the same as the polypeptide neurotoxin which interacts with voltage-sensitive sodium channels and this identity was subsequently verified. Thus, the effect on microtubules of highly purified L. quinquestriatus sodium channel toxin obtained from an independent source was indistinguishable from that of the crude venom. These results indicate that the sodium channel toxin from L. quinquestriatus is also a potent cytoskeletal agent in vitro. This finding may be related to the growing body of evidence suggesting that the neuronal cytoskeleton plays a functional role in the maintenance of membrane excitability.

Posttranslational processing of alpha-tubulin during axoplasmic transport in CNS axons

Tubulin proteins in mouse retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neurons were analyzed to determine whether they undergo posttranslational processing during axoplasmic transport. Alpha- and beta-tubulin comprised heterogeneous proteins in the primary optic pathway (optic nerve and optic tract) when examined by two-dimensional (2D) PAGE. In addition, however, alpha-tubulin exhibited regional heterogeneity when consecutive 1.1-mm segments of the optic pathway were analyzed separately. In proximal segments, alpha-tubulin consisted of two predominant proteins separable by isoelectric point and several less abundant species. In more distal segments, these predominant proteins decreased progressively and the alpha-tubulin region of the gel was represented by less abundant multiple forms only; beta-tubulin region of the gel was represented by less abundant multiple forms only; beta-tubulin was the same in all segments. After intravitreal injection of [3H]proline to mice, radiolabeled alpha- and beta-tubulin heteroproteins were conveyed together at a rate of 0.1-0.2 mm/d in the slowest phase of axoplasmic transport. At 45 d postinjection, the distribution of radiolabeled heterogeneous forms a alpha- and beta-tubulin in consecutive segments of optic pathway resembled the distribution of unlabeled proteins by 2D PAGE, indicating that regional heterogeneity of tubulin arises during axonal transport. Peptide mapping studies demonstrated that the progressive alteration of alpha-tubulin revealed by PAGE analysis cannot be explained by contamination of the alpha-tubulin region by other proteins on gels. The results are consistent with the posttranslational processing of alpha-tubulin during axoplasmic transport. These observations, along with the accompanying report (J. Cell Biol., 1982, 94:150-158), provide additional evidence that CNS axons may be regionally specialized.

Immunocytochemical study on cholera toxin binding sites by monoclonal anti-cholera toxin antibody in neuronal tissue culture

An indirect method of immunocytochemistry showed that cholera toxin and its B-subunit served as specific neuronal surface markers in conjunction with monoclonal anti-cholera toxin and FITC labeled anti-mouse Fab. The cell types which get specifically stained in culture were peripheral neurons from dorsal root ganglion cells, superior cervical ganglion cells, and cerebral neurons, all of which were rat tissue, and NGF-treated PC12 cells. Non-neuronal cells, i.e. Schwann cells, fibroblasts and glia cells, were not stained. This method can, therefore, be used to distinguish neurons from non-neuronal cells in neuronal tissue cultures, as in the case of tetanus toxin described in the literature.

Protein synthesis and transport in the regenerating goldfish visual system

The nature of the proteins synthesized in the goldfish retina and axonally transported to the tectum during optic nerve regeneration has been examined. Electrophoretic analysis of labeled soluble retinal proteins by fluorography verified our previous observation of a greatly enhanced synthesis of the microtubule subunits. In addition, labeling of a tubulin-like protein in the retinal particulate fraction was also increased during regeneration. Like soluble tubulin, the particulate material had an apparent MW of 53-55K and could be tyrosylated in the presence of cycloheximide and [3H]tyrosine. Comparison of post-crush and normal retinal proteins by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis also revealed a marked enhancement in the labeling of two acidic 68-70K proteins. Analysis of proteins slowly transported to the optic tectum revealed changes following nerve crush similar to those observed in the retina, with enhanced labeling of both soluble and particulate tubulin and of 68-70K polypeptides. the most striking change in the profile of rapidly transported protein was the appearance of a labeled 45k protein which was barely detectable in control fish.

Cell surface proteins in the early embryogenesis of Pleurodeles waltlii

Surface proteins in the first embryonic stages (8-32 cells, morula, blastula, early and late gastrula) of Pleurodeles waltlii were selectively labelled by 125I using lactoperoxidase and glucose/glucose oxidase. Iodination was effected either on non-dissociated embryos or after their dissociation with EDTA. On the outer surface of non-dissociated embryos the two-dimensional electrophoresis revealed only three groups of 125I-labelled proteins which did not change during all studied stages. Quite different results were obtained with the cells of dissociated embryos. In addition to the iodinated proteins of the embryonic outer surface seven major iodinated proteins were identified. These proteins originate from the regions of cell-cell contacts in intact embryo. Their two-dimensional pattern in dissociated cells changes between stages 8-32 cells and morula. The next important difference was observed during gastrulation, which corresponds in Pleurodeles waltlii to the first morphogenetic movements. Therefore the outside and inside cell surfaces of embryo are different already at stage 8-32 cells (and probably earlier), before the first step of morphogenesis. The changes of cell surface proteins at early embryonal development take place inside the embryo, in the regions of cell-cell interactions.

The characterization of tubulin in CNS membrane fractions

Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), and a plasma membrane (PM) fraction enriched in synaptic membranes were isolated from rat forebrain. The proteins in these membrane fractions were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DGE) in the isoelectric range of 5.1 to 6.0 by a modification of the O'Farrell procedure. Proteins were detected by Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining of the electrophoretograms. The results of these analyses were compared with 2DGE analysis of cytosol proteins, with particular attention given to tubulin subunits and actin. The RER contained one major protein (53K 5.4) in the beta-tubulin region with a molecular weight of 53,000 and an isoelectric point of 5.4. The SER contained at least two major proteins in the alpha-tubulin region; one with a migration identical to 53K 5.4 and other proteins with slightly higher apparent molecular weights and more acidic isoelectric points (54K, 5.4 to 5.3), identical to cytoplasmic beta-tubulin. The PM fraction also contained multiple overlapping proteins (54K, 5.4 to 5.3) in the beta-tubulin area and a trace amount of the 53K 5.4 protein. The proteins in the beta-tubulin region were removed from the 2DGE electrophoretogram and digested by Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, and the peptides separated on one-dimensional polyacrylamide gels. The peptide patterns of 53K 5.4 protein from RER and SER were almost identical and differed significantly from the cytoplasmic beta-tubulin pattern; however, the peptide maps of the PM and SER beta-tubulin region were identical to the cytoplasmic beta-tubulin. The 2DGE analysis of RER did not contain proteins in the region of cytoplasmic alpha-tubulin. SER and PM contained proteins in the alpha-tubulin region with a similar, but not identical, peptide analysis to cytoplasmic alpha-tubulin. Significant amounts of actin were detected in 2DGE analysis of SER and PM, and the peptide analysis of the actin was identical to the cytoplasmic actin analysis. The RER fraction contained only trace amounts of actin. The cytosol and all membrane fractions contained a protein (68K 5.6) found among microtubule-associated proteins, as judged by molecular weight and isoelectric point. Several proteins present in all membrane fractions (61K 5.1 and 58K 5.1) bound to concanavalin A agarose.

Composition of axolemma-enriched fractions isolated from bovine CNS myelinated axons

Axolemma-enriched fractions were isolated from the white matter of bovine corpus callosum via a purified preparation of myelinated axons which were osmotically shocked and fractionated on a discontinuous density gradient. Two membrane fractions of differing density were obtained: both were somewhat enriched over white matter whole homogenate in specific activity of acetylcholinesterase and 5'-nucleotidase and maximal binding capacity for saxitoxin. Both membrane fractions contained appreciable amounts of 2', 3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase; the specific activity of antimycin-sensitive NAPH-cytochrome c reductase and cytochrome c oxidase indicated low levels of contamination by microsomal and mitochondrial membrane. The myelin which is concomitantly isolated with the axolemma-enriched fractions has a lipid and protein composition comparable to that of myelin isolated by other procedures. Both axolemma-enriched fractions contain about one half of their dry weight as lipid comprised of approximately 25% cholesterol, 25% galactolipid (cerebrosides and sulfatides in a molar ratio of about 4:1) and 50% phospholipid, mostly choline phosphatides and ethanolamine phospholes in an equimolar ratio. The axolemma fractions are also enriched in ganglioside content relative to the myelin fraction. The polypeptides of the axolemma-enriched fractions range from 20,000 to over 200,000 in molecular weight; the predominant proteins are in the range from 50,000 to 69,000. The most dense axolemma-enriched fraction is over fourfold enriched in glycoprotein content compared with myelin, with at least 10 different molecular-weight classes of glycoproteins as identified by Schiff stain of polyacrylamide gel protein profiles. The differences and similarities in the molecular composition of axolemma-enriched preparations which have been characterized to date are discussed.

Characterization of the cilia and ciliary membrane proteins of wild-type Paramecium tetraurelia and a pawn mutant

Cilia and ciliary membranes were isolated from axenically grown, wild-type Paramecium tetraurelia strain 51s and from the extreme pawn mutant strain, d495, derived from this parental strain. Over 60 protein bands having molecular weights of 15 to greater than 300 kdaltons were detected by Coomassie Blue staining of whole cilia proteins separated by one-dimensional SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. About 30 of these protein bands were visible in Coomassie Blue-stained membrane separations. About 60 bands were detected by silver staining of one-dimensional gels of membrane proteins. Differences between Coomassie Blue-stained separations of wild-type and pawn mutant strain d495 membrane proteins were seen in the quantity of a band present at 43 kdaltons. Radioiodination of cell surface proteins labeled approximately 15 protein bands in both wild-type and mutant cilia. The major axonemal proteins were unlabeled. Six membrane glycoproteins were identified by staining one-dimensional separations with iodinated concanavalin A and lentil lectin, two lectins that specifically bind both glucose and mannose residues. Two major neutral sugar species present in an acid hydrolysate of the cilia preparation were tentatively identified as glucose and mannose by gas chromatography of the alditol acetate derivatives.

Association of newly synthesized tubulin with brain microsomal membranes

Tubulin has been found to be synthesized on both membrane-bound and free polyribosomes prepared from brain. Cell-free studies indicate that tubulin made on rough microsomes is incorporated into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane as it is synthesized. This tubulin remains associated with the membrane after sedimentation and washing. The tubulin is not removed from the membrane after stripping ribosomes from the membranes in KCl-puromycin, followed by repeated washing by either sedimentation or flotation in 0.05 M-KCl. The membrane tubulin is partially susceptible to proteolysis by trypsin and chymotrypsin: beta-tubulin is more accessible to the proteases than in alpha-tubulin. Nonionic detergents extract mostly beta-tubulin from the microsomal membrane. Newly synthesized tubulin which has been extracted from microsomal membranes in 0.5% Nonidet P-40, coassembles and disassembles with carrier microtubule protein. The insertion of newly synthesized tubulin into endoplasmic reticulum membrane may be the first step in the incorporation of tubulin into the plasma membrane.

An apparent paradox in the occurrence, and the in vivo turnover, of C-terminal tyrosine in membrane-bound tubulin of brain

Tubulin tyrosine ligase catalyzes the reversible addition of tyrosine to the C-terminus of tubulin alpha chains. By using ligase and carboxypeptidase A in conjunction, we have previously shown that brain cytoplasmic tubulin exists in three forms: 15-40% already has C-terminal tyrosine, another 10-30% can accept additional tyrosine, and about one-half is an uncharacterized species which is not a ligase substrate. A membrane-bound fraction of brain tubulin, purified by vinblastine precipitation from a detergent extract, has been found to differ by the complete absence of preexisting tyrosine. The membrane fraction from which tubulin was extracted also contained masked forms of both ligase and a distinct detyrosylating enzyme, which can be released by detergent extraction. The turnover of alpha-chain C-terminal tyrosine in vivo was studied by incubating brain mince with labeled tyrosine, or injecting it intracerebrally, under conditions where protein synthesis was inhibited. Tyrosine appeared to turn over to about the same extent in membrane-bound, as in soluble, tubulin. This apparently paradoxical result was not due to ATPase in the membrane fraction, which might have allowed ligase-catalyzed exchange between free and fixed tyrosine. Authentic [14C]tyrosylated tubulin added to the brain membrane fraction was not detyrosylated or subject to endoprotease digestion during subsequent procedures to isolate tubulin. The unexpected finding that tubulin tyrosylated at the C-terminal in vivo appears to be in the "non-substrate" fraction points toward a possible resolution of the paradox.

Preferential neurotoxicity of colchicine for granule cells of the dentate gyrus of the adult rat

Injections of 5-7 microgram (6-9 nmol) of colchicine into the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus of mature rats result in widespread destruction of dentate granule cells with little, if any, damage to other cell populations, including hippocampal pyramidal cells. Selective destruction of dentate granule cells is also observed after intraventricular injections. The destructive effects of colchicine appear as soon as 12 hr after the injection and lead to the disappearance of the granule cells over a period of days. Whereas the effects on nongranule cell populations in the hippocampus appear to be reversed by approximately 11 days after injection, the granule cells are almost completely absent at long intervals after injection. At the long postinjection survival intervals the disappearance of the granule cells is accompanied by elimination of their terminal projections, the mossy fibers, as revealed by Timm staining for heavy metals. Because the preferential neurotoxic effects of colchicine do not result in morbidity or obvious behavioral debilitation, the toxicity may prove useful for studying the functional consequences of removing specific cell populations in the central nervous system.

Ionophore-induced disassembly of blood platelet microtubules: effect of cyclic AMP and indomethacin

Cytoplasmic calcium levels are believed to be important in blood platelet activation. Upon activation, the discrete marginal microtubule band, which maintains the discoid shape of non-activated platelets, becomes disrupted. Present studies demonstrate that the extent of assembly of the marginal microtubule band is related to cytoplasmic calcium levels. The divalent cationophore, A23187, causes platelet aggregation, secretion, and contraction by promoting calcium transport from intraplatelet storage sites into the cytoplasm. A23187 caused disassembly of platelet microtubules. Quantitation of electron micrographs revealed that numbers of microtubules were reduced by approximately 80% after A23187 treatment. Secondly, assembled microtubules in homogenates of platelets, in which microtubules were stabilized prior to homogenization, were decreased in favor of free tubulin in A23187-treated platelets. Thirdly, A23187 increased 14C-colchicine binding by intact platelets; this also indicated a shift in the microtubule subunit equilibrium to favor free, colchicine-binding tubulin subunits. In control experiments, A23187 did not affect the stability of platelet tubulin, the colchicine binding reaction, or the total tubulin content of platelets. Stimulation of colchicine binding depended on A23187 concentration (0.05-0.5 microM) and did not require extracellular calcium. A23187-stimulation of colchicine binding was blocked by dibutyryl cyclic AMP (0.80 mM) and/or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (50 microM) and by indomethacin (10 microM). Cyclic AMP or indomethacin also interferes with A23187-induced platelet activation, but indomethacin is not likely to completely inhibit the perturbation of intraplatelet calcium gradients by A23187. It is suggested that A23187-induced microtubule disassembly may be an indirect effect of calcium on microtubules.

Morphological and biochemical studies on the development of cholinergic properties in cultured sympathetic neurons. II. Dependence on postnatal age

Superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons taken from perinatal rats and dissociated in culture develop cholinergic properties. This report examines this "plasticity" of neurotransmitter function with regard to its dependence on the stage of neuronal development. Explants of SCG from rats ranging in age from 2 d to adult were cultured, and the number of neurons surviving after 6 wk in culture was evaluated. The activities of choline acetyltransferase (ChAc) and DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) were assayed for each age group over time in culture, and the cytochemistry of the synaptic vesicle population was studied after norepinephrine loading and KMnO4 fixation. The specific activity of ChAc in all explants fell during the first 3--4 d in culture (secondary to degeneration of presynaptic terminals), with an increase during the next 30 d in explants from all age groups except in those from the 22-d-old and adult rats. The highest activity found after 1 mo in culture was in explants from 2-d-old rats (62.5 mmol per kg dry wt per h); the lowest was in explants from adults (1.3 nmol per kg dry wt per h). After 1 mo in vitro, there were no significant differences in DDC activity among explants from animals of any age (similar to approximately 220 mmol per kg dry wt per h). Co-culture of the SCG explants with heart muscle increased even further the ChAc activity in explants from 2-d-old rats but not in explants from 16-d-old and 6.5-wk-old animals. The cytochemistry of the synaptic vesicle population in 1-mo-old cultures correlated well with the ChAc activity; when the ChAc activity was high, the proportion of synaptic vesicles with clear centers was 71--88%. In explants from adult animals, only 12% of the vesicles contained clear centers. From these data we conclude that the maturity of the SCG neuron influences the degree to which it is able to adjust its neurotransmitter mechanisms. That the axons of this neuron are interacting with target tissues during the time that neurotransmitter plasticity is retained suggests that interaction with the target may play a role in the determination of transmitter type.

Microtubule-membrane interactions in cilia. I. Isolation and characterization of ciliary membranes from Tetrahymena pyriformis

Tetrahymena ciliary membranes were prepared by four different techniques, and their protein composition was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), electron microscopy, and two-dimensional thin-layer peptide mapping. Extraction of the isolated cilia by nonionic detergent solubilized the ciliary membranes but left the axonemal microtubules and dyneine arms intact, as determined by quantitative electron microscopy. The proteins solubilized by detergent included a major 55,000-dalton protein, 1-3 high molecular weight proteins that comigrated, on SDS-PAGE, with the axonemal dynein, as well as several other proteins of 45,000-50,000 daltons. Each of the major proteins contained a small amount of carbohydrate, as determined by PAS-staining; no PAS-positive material was detected in the detergent-extracted axonemes. The major 55,000-dalton protein has proteins quite similar to those of tubulin, based on SDS-PAGE using three different buffer systems as well as two-dimensional maps of tryptic peptides from the isolated 55,000-dalton protein. To determine whether this tubulin-like protein was associated with the membrane or whether it was an axonemal or matrix protein released by detergent treatment, three different methods to isolate ciliary membrane vesicles were developed. The protein composition of each of these differetn vesicle preparations was the same as that of the detergent-solubilized material. These results suggest that a major ciliary membrane protein has properties similar to those of tubulin.

Neurites grow faster towards the cathode than the anode in a steady field

We explanted fragments of embryonic chick dorsal root ganglia on to polylysine coated glass and cultured them in a medium containing one unit of nerve growth factor plus enough methylcellulose to give viscosities from 0.01-3,000 poise. We allowed them to grow out in the absence of a field, and then selected explants with halos of neurites which were relatively dense, relatively symmetrical, and practically free of glial cells. These selected explants were then exposed to electrical fields of up to 140 mV/mm for some hours. In media with viscosities of one poise or less, the field some times dragged the central cell mass of an explant towards the anode. However, in cases where the central cell mass did not move, fields of 70-140 mV/mm induced that sector of each neurite halo which faced the cathode to grow out several times faster than the one facing the anode.

Anti-microtubular agents as inhibitors of desensitization to catecholamine stimulation of adenylate cyclase in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

Adenylate cyclase activity of the homogenate of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells pretreated with catecholamine at 37 degrees C was not stimulated by the addition of the same catecholamine, whereas that of the cells without the pretreatment was stimulated. Such a desensitization was induced hardly at all when the pretreatment was performed at low temperature. The desensitization of adenylate cyclase activity to catecholamine stimulation was prevented by pre-pretreatment of the cells with colchicine prior to the catecholamine pretreatment. The effect of colchicine was dependent on the period of the treatment and concentration of colchicine. Vinblastine had a similar effect, whereas cytochalasin B was without effect. Thus, involvement of microtubules was suggested in the desensitization of the membrane-associated enzyme to external stimulation.

Involvement of cytoskeletal structures in nerve-growth-factor-mediated induction of ornithine decarboxylase

Induction of ornithine decarboxylase elicited in response to nerve-growth factor in target organs is greatly decreased by preincubation of these tissues with cytoskeletal poisons such as vinblastine, diamide, cytochalasin B and colchicine. These results are interpreted as evidence for the involvement of receptor-associated cytoskeletal structures in mediating the nerve-growth-factor-specific induction of ornithine decarboxylase.