Fate of secretory proteins trapped in oocytes of Xenopus laevis by disruption of the cytoskeleton or by imbalanced subunit synthesis

TbIRK is a signature sequence free potassium channel from Trypanosoma brucei locating to acidocalcisomes

Potassium channels from prokaryotes and eukaryotes are usually recognized by a typical amino acid sequence TXTGY(F)G representing the ionic selectivity filter. Using a screening approach with ion channel family profiles but without the above motif, we identified a gene in Trypanosoma brucei that exhibits homology to inward rectifying potassium channels. We report here cloning of this ion channel named TbIRK. The protein is localized to acidocalcisomes in procyclic and in bloodstream form parasites. Functional properties of this channel were established after expression in Xenopus oocytes. Currents recorded in potassium medium show inward rectification and little time dependence. Surprisingly, this channel retains selectivity for potassium ions over sodium ions >7, in spite of the lack of the classical selectivity filter. The sequence GGYVG was predicted in silico to replace this filter motif. Point mutations of the corresponding glycine residues confirmed this at the functional level. The channel is inhibited by caesium ions but remains unaffected by barium ions up to 10 mM. TbIRK is to our knowledge the first potassium channel in T. brucei that localizes to the acidocalcisomes, organelles involved in the storage of phosphates and the response to osmotic stress that occurs during the life cycle of trypanosomes.

WNK3 positively regulates epithelial calcium channels TRPV5 and TRPV6 via a kinase-dependent pathway

WNK3, a member of the With No Lysine (K) family of protein serine/threonine kinases, was shown to regulate members of the SLC12A family of cation-chloride cotransporters and the renal outer medullary K+ channel ROMK and Cl(-) channel SLC26A9. To evaluate the effect of WNK3 on TRPV5, a renal epithelial Ca2+ channel that serves as a gatekeeper for active Ca2+ reabsorption, WNK3 and TRPV5 were coexpressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and the function and expression of TRPV5 were subsequently examined. An 82.7 +/- 7.1% increase in TRPV5-mediated Ca2+ uptake was observed when WNK3 was coexpressed. A similar increase in TRPV5-mediated Na+ current was observed with the voltage-clamp technique. WNK3 also enhanced Ca2+ influx and Na+ current mediated by TRPV6, which is the closest homolog of TRPV5 that mediates active intestinal Ca2+ absorption. The kinase domain of WNK3 alone was sufficient to increase TRPV5-mediated Ca2+ transport, and the positive regulatory effect was abolished by the kinase-inactive D294A mutation in WNK3, indicating a kinase-dependent mechanism. The complexly glycosylated TRPV5 that appears at the plasma membrane was increased by WNK3. The exocytosis of TRPV5 was increased by WNK3, and the effect of WNK3 on TRPV5 was abolished by the microtubule inhibitor colchicine. The increased plasma membrane expression of TRPV5 was likely due to the enhanced delivery of mature TRPV5 to the plasma membrane from its intracellular pool via the secretory pathway. These results indicate that WNK3 is a positive regulator of the transcellular Ca2+ transport pathway.

Soluble tubulin complexes, γ-tubulin, and their changing distribution in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) ovary, oocyte and embryo

Tubulin dynamics, i.e., the interchange of polymeric and soluble forms, is important for microtubule (MTs) cellular functions, and thus plays essential roles in zebrafish oogenesis and embryogenesis. A novel finding in this study revealed that there were soluble pools of tubulins in zebrafish oocytes that were sequestered and maintained in a temporary "oligomeric" state, which retained assembling and disassembling potential (suggested by undetected acetylated tubulin, marker of stable tubulin), but lacked abilities to assemble into MTs spontaneously in vivo. Using differential centrifugation, gel chromatography and DM1A-probed western blot, soluble alpha-tubulin was found to be associated with large molecular weight complexes (MW range to over 2 MDa) which were reduced in amount by the blastula stage, especially in some batches of embryos, with a concomitant decrease in soluble tubulin. Complexes (MW range less than 2 MDa) then increased in the gastrula with an increase in soluble alpha-tubulin. Two different anti-gamma-tubulin monoclonal antibodies, GTU 88 and TU 30, revealed the existence of soluble gamma-tubulin in both zebrafish oocytes and embryos, which also decreased by the blastula stage and increased in the gastrula stage. Soluble alpha-tubulin and gamma-tubulin extracted from zebrafish ovaries, oocytes and embryos co-localized in fractions on three different columns: S-200 Sephacryl, DEAE and Superose-6b. The soluble tubulin complexes were competent to assemble into MTs in vitro induced by taxol, and gamma-tubulin was co-localized with assembled MTs. These soluble tubulin complexes were stable during freeze-thaw cycles and resisted high ionic interaction (up to 1.5 M NaCl). Furthermore, some ovarian soluble alpha-tubulin could be co-immunoprecipitated with gamma-tubulin, and vice versa. Two antibodies specific for Xenopus gamma-tubulin ring complex proteins (Xgrip 109 and Xgrip 195) detected single bands from ovarian extracts in western blots, suggesting the existence of Xgrip 109 and Xgrip 195 homologues in zebrafish. These findings, together with recent work on gamma-tubulin ring complexes in oocytes, eggs and embryos of other species, suggest that soluble gamma-tubulin-associated protein complexes may be involved in regulating tubulin dynamics during zebrafish oogenesis and embryogenesis.

Myosin-1c couples assembling actin to membranes to drive compensatory endocytosis

Compensatory endocytosis follows regulated exocytosis in cells ranging from eggs to neurons, but the means by which it is accomplished are unclear. In Xenopus eggs, compensatory endocytosis is driven by dynamic coats of assembling actin that surround and compress exocytosing cortical granules (CGs). We have identified Xenopus laevis myosin-1c (XlMyo1c) as a myosin that is upregulated by polyadenylation during meiotic maturation, the developmental interval that prepares eggs for fertilization and regulated CG exocytosis. Upon calcium-induced exocytosis, XlMyo1c is recruited to exocytosing CG membranes where actin coats then assemble. When XlMyo1c function is disrupted, actin coats assemble, but dynamic actin filaments are uncoupled from the exocytosing CG membranes such that coats do not compress, and compensatory endocytosis fails. Remarkably, there is also an increase in polymerized actin at membranes throughout the cell. We conclude that XlMyo1c couples polymerizing actin to membranes and so mediates force production during compensatory endocytosis.

Intracellular trafficking/membrane targeting of human reduced folate carrier expressed in Xenopus oocytes

The major cellular pathway for uptake of the vitamin folic acid, including its absorption in the intestine, is via a plasma membrane carrier system, the reduced folate carrier (RFC). Very little is known about the mechanisms that control intracellular trafficking and plasma membrane targeting of RFC. To begin addressing these issues, we used Xenopus oocyte as a model system and examined whether the signal that targets the protein to the plasma membrane is located in the COOH-terminal cytoplasmic tail or in the backbone of the polypeptide. We also examined the role of microtubules and microfilaments in intracellular trafficking of the protein. Confocal imaging of human RFC (hRFC) fused to the enhanced green fluorescent protein (hRFC-EGFP) showed that the protein was expressed at the plasma membrane, with expression confined almost entirely to the animal pole of the oocyte. Localization of hRFC at the plasma membrane was not affected by partial or total truncation of the COOH-terminal tail of the polypeptide, whereas a construct of the cytoplasmic tail fused to EGFP was not found at the plasma membrane. Disruption of microtubules, but not microfilaments, prevented hRFC expression at the plasma membrane. These results demonstrate that the molecular determinant(s) that directs plasma membrane targeting of hRFC is located within the backbone of the polypeptide and that intact microtubules, but not microfilaments, are essential for intracellular trafficking of the protein.

Xenopus tropicalis oocytes as an advantageous model system for the study of intracellular Ca(2+) signalling

1. The purpose of this study was to compare oocytes from the pipid frogs Xenopus tropicalis and Xenopus laevis, with respect to their utility for studying Ca(2+) signalling mechanisms and for expression of heterologous proteins. 2. We show that X. tropicalis oocytes possess an intracellular Ca(2+) store that is mobilized by inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate (IP(3)). Ca(2+) signalling is activated by endogenous lysophosphatidic acid receptors and cytosolic Ca(2+) activates a plasma membrane chloride conductance. The spatiotemporal organization of cytosolic Ca(2+) signals, from the microscopic architecture of elementary Ca(2+) 'puffs' to the macroscopic patterns of Ca(2+) spiking are closely similar to the local and global patterns of Ca(2+) release previously characterized in oocytes from X. laevis. 3. By injecting X. tropicalis oocytes with cDNA encoding an ER-targeted fluorescent protein construct, we demonstrate the capacity of the X. tropicalis oocyte to readily express heterologous proteins. The organization of ER is polarized across the oocyte, with the IP(3)-releaseable store targeted within an approximately 8 microm wide band that circumscribes the cell. 4. We conclude that the X. tropicalis oocyte shares many of the characteristics that have made oocytes of X. laevis a favoured system for studying Ca(2+) signalling mechanisms. Moreover, X. tropicalis oocytes display further practical advantages in terms of imaging depth, Ca(2+) signal magnitude and electrical properties. These further enhance the appeal of X. tropicalis as an experimental system, in addition to its greater amenability to transgenic approaches.

Confocal microscopy and 3-D reconstruction of the cytoskeleton of Xenopus oocytes

Xenopus oocytes contain a complex cytoskeleton composed of three filament systems: (1) microtubules, composed of tubulin and at least three different microtubule-associated proteins (XMAPs); (2) microfilaments composed of actin and associated proteins; and (3) intermediate filaments, composed of keratins. For the past several years, we have used confocal immunofluorescence microscopy to characterize the organization of the oocyte cytoskeleton throughout the course of oogenesis. Together with computer-assisted reconstruction of the oocyte in three dimensions, confocal microscopy gives an unprecedented view of the assembly and reorganization of the cytoskeleton during oocyte growth and differentiation. Results of these studies, combined with the effects of cytoskeletal inhibitors, suggest that organization of the cytoskeleton in Xenopus oocytes is dependent upon a hierarchy of interactions between microtubules, microfilaments, and keratin filaments. This article presents a gallery of confocal images and 3-D reconstructions depicting the assembly and organization of the oocyte cytoskeleton during stages 0-VI of oogenesis, a discussion of the mechanisms that might regulate cytoskeletal organization during oogenesis, and speculates on the potential roles of the oocyte cytoskeleton during oogenesis and axis formation.

The organization and animal-vegetal asymmetry of cytokeratin filaments in stage VI Xenopus oocytes is dependent upon F-actin and microtubules

Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy with anti-cytokeratin antibodies revealed a continuous and polarized network of cytokeratin (CK) filaments in the cortex of stage VI Xenopus oocytes. In the animal cortex, CK filaments formed a dense meshwork that both was thicker and exhibited a finer mesh than the network of CK filaments previously observed in the vegetal cortex (Klymkowsky et al., 1987). CK filaments first appeared in association with germinal vesicle (GV) and mitochondrial mass (MM) of oocytes in early mid stage I, indicating that CK filaments are the last of the three cytoskeletal networks to be assembled. By late stage I, CK filaments formed complex networks surrounding the GV, surrounding and penetrating the MM, and linking these networks to a meshwork of CK filaments in the oocyte cortex. During stage III-early IV, CK filaments formed a highly interconnected, apparently unpolarized, radial array linking the perinuclear and cortical CK filament networks. Polarization of the CK filament network was observed during mid stage IV-stage V, as first the animal, then the vegetal CK filament networks adopted the organization characteristic of stage VI oocytes. Treatment of stage VI oocytes with cytochalasin B disrupted the organization of both cortical and cytoplasmic CK filaments, releasing CK filaments from the oocyte cortex and inducing formation of numerous cytoplasmic CK filament aggregates. CB also disrupted the organization of cytoplasmic microtubules (MTs) in stage VI oocytes. Disassembly of oocyte MTs with nocodazole resulted in loss of the characteristic A-V polarity of the cortical CK filament network. In contrast, disruption of cytoplasmic CK filaments by microinjection of anti-CK antibodies had no apparent effect on cytoplasmic or MT organization. We propose a model in which the organization and polarization of the cortical network of CK filaments in stage VI Xenopus oocytes are dependent upon a hierarchy of interactions with actin filaments and microtubules.

Store-activated Ca2+ inflow in Xenopus laevis oocytes: inhibition by primaquine and evaluation of the role of membrane fusion

The role of membrane fusion in the activation of store-activated Ca2+ channels (SACCs) in the plasma membrane of Xenopus laevis oocytes was investigated with primaquine, an inhibitor of vesicle trafficking, reagents that disrupt the cytoskeleton, and reagents that activate or inhibit the functions of monomeric and trimeric GTP-binding regulatory proteins. Ca2+ inflow was assessed by measuring the rate of increase in the fluorescence of the intracellular Ca2+ chelator fluo-3 after the addition of extracellular Ca2+ to oocytes previously incubated in the absence of added Ca2+. Primaquine inhibited the 3-deoxy-3-fluoro Ins(1,4,5)P3 (Ins(1,4,5)P3F)-stimulated increase in Ca2+O,-induced fluo-3 fluorescence with no detectable effect on the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. The effect of primaquine was observed within 1.5 min, showed similarity to the inhibition induced by Gd3+, was reversible, and was observed when primaquine was added either before or after activation of the SACCs. The degree of inhibition of Ca2+ inflow by primaquine was halved when the extracellular concentration of Ca2+ was increased from 3.1 to 12.5 mM. Primaquine also inhibited Ca2+ inflow through cholera toxin-activated divalent cation channels and Drosophila Trpl channels (expressed in oocytes after injection of trp1 cRNA). These results indicate that primaquine inhibits open SACCs, possibly by directly inhibiting Ca2+ flow through the channel pore. Colchicine plus cytochalasin B, Brefeldin A, the peptide Arf-1 (2-17) (introduced by microinjection), lovastatin or pertussis toxin did not inhibit the Ins(1,4,5)P3F stimulated increase in fluo-3 fluorescence. In contrast, guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]), guanosine 5'-[beta, gamma-imido]triphosphate (p[NH]ppG) and A1F4-, but not guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate, inhibited the Ins(1,4,5)P3F-stimulated increase in fluo-3 fluorescence. Co-administration of GTP did not prevent the inhibition by GTP[S] of FA1F4-. Staurosporine largely prevented the inhibition of store-activated Ca2+ inflow by GTP[S]. It is concluded that membrane fusion processes are unlikely to be involved in the link between the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum and activation of SACCs. The idea that this link is achieved by direct interaction of a protein(s) in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane with the SACC protein is briefly discussed.

Confocal microscopy of F-actin distribution in Xenopus oocytes

We have used rhodamine-conjugated phalloidin and confocal microscopy to examine the organisation of filamentous actin (F-actin) during oogenesis in Xenopus laevis. F-actin was restricted to a thin shell in the cortex of oogonia and post-mitotic oocytes less than 35 microns in diameter. In oocytes with diameters of 35-50 microns, F-actin was observed in three cellular domains: in the cortex, in the germinal vesicle (GV) and in a network of cytoplasmic cables. Initially, actin cables were sparsely distributed in the cytoplasm, with no evidence of discrete organising centres. In larger stage I oocytes, a dense network of actin cables extended throughout the cytoplasm, linking the GV and mitochondrial mass to the cortical actin shell. Apart from the F-actin associated with the mitochondrial mass, no evidence of a polarised distribution of F-actin was apparent in stage I oocytes. F-actin was observed also in the cortex and the GV of stage VI oocytes, and a network of cytoplasmic cables surrounded the GV. Cytoplasmic actin cables extended from the GV to the animal cortex, and formed a three-dimensional network surrounding clusters of yolk platelets in the vegetal cytoplasm. Finally, disruption of F-actin in stage VI oocytes with cytochalasin resulted in distortion and apparent rotation of the GV in the animal hemisphere, suggesting that actin plays a role in maintaining the polarised organisation of amphibian oocytes.

Biochemical and cytological changes associated with expression of deregulated pp60src in Xenopus oocytes

We have examined the effects of Xenopus pp60c-src with constitutive kinase activity on the morphology and maturation of Xenopus laevis oocytes. When RNA encoding this deregulated variant was injected into stage VI oocytes, we observed a gross alteration in the cortex of the oocyte. This alteration involved aggregation of pigment and invagination of the cortex in a large area proximal to the site of injection. This phenomenon was not seen in oocytes injected with RNA encoding wild-type pp60c-src. We have correlated this phenomenon with the tyrosine phosphorylation of 84- and 100-kDa proteins. These phosphorylated proteins colocalized with the alteration in the oocyte cortex when assayed by both biochemical and immunocytochemical methods. Neither the pigment aggregation nor phosphorylation of the 84- and 100-kDa proteins was observed in oocytes expressing a nonmyristoylated version of the deregulated pp60c-src. Expression of deregulated Xenopus fyn, a src-family member, resulted in a phenotype similar to that seen with deregulated src. However, in the fyn-injected oocytes, many more proteins were phosphorylated on tyrosine than in the src-injected oocytes. Progesterone stimulation of oocytes expressing deregulated pp60c-src resulted in an increase in the number of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. This change may represent the response of pp60src to the resumption of the cell cycle in maturing oocytes. These data suggest that the oocyte may be a particularly useful system for investigating the role of pp60c-src in the regulation of cytoskeletal structure and in the regulation of events associated with the cell cycle.

Biochemical and cytological changes associated with expression of deregulated pp60src in Xenopus oocytes

We have examined the effects of Xenopus pp60c-src with constitutive kinase activity on the morphology and maturation of Xenopus laevis oocytes. When RNA encoding this deregulated variant was injected into stage VI oocytes, we observed a gross alteration in the cortex of the oocyte. This alteration involved aggregation of pigment and invagination of the cortex in a large area proximal to the site of injection. This phenomenon was not seen in oocytes injected with RNA encoding wild-type pp60c-src. We have correlated this phenomenon with the tyrosine phosphorylation of 84- and 100-kDa proteins. These phosphorylated proteins colocalized with the alteration in the oocyte cortex when assayed by both biochemical and immunocytochemical methods. Neither the pigment aggregation nor phosphorylation of the 84- and 100-kDa proteins was observed in oocytes expressing a nonmyristoylated version of the deregulated pp60c-src. Expression of deregulated Xenopus fyn, a src-family member, resulted in a phenotype similar to that seen with deregulated src. However, in the fyn-injected oocytes, many more proteins were phosphorylated on tyrosine than in the src-injected oocytes. Progesterone stimulation of oocytes expressing deregulated pp60c-src resulted in an increase in the number of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. This change may represent the response of pp60src to the resumption of the cell cycle in maturing oocytes. These data suggest that the oocyte may be a particularly useful system for investigating the role of pp60c-src in the regulation of cytoskeletal structure and in the regulation of events associated with the cell cycle.

Secretory and inductive properties of Drosophila wingless protein in Xenopus oocytes and embryos

Like its vertebrate homologues, Xenopus wnt-8 and murine wnt-1, we find that Drosophila wingless (wg) protein causes axis duplication when overexpressed in embryos of Xenopus laevis after mRNA injection. In many cases, the secondary axes contain eyes and cement glands, which reflect the induction of the most dorsoanterior mesodermal type, prechordal mesoderm. We show that the extent of axis duplication is dependent on the embryonic site of expression, with ventral expression leading to a more posterior point of axis bifurcation. The observed duplications are due to de novo generation of new axes as shown by rescue of UV-irradiated embryos. The true dorsal mesoderm-inducing properties of wg protein are indicated by its ability to generate extensive duplications after mRNA injection into D-tier cells of 32-cell embryos. As revealed by lineage mapping, the majority of these D cell progeny populate the endoderm; injections into animal blastomeres at this stage are far less effective in inducing secondary axes. However, when expressed in isolated animal cap explants, wg protein induces only ventral mesoderm, unless basic fibroblast growth factor is added, whereupon induction of muscle and occasionally notochord is seen. We conclude that in intact embryos, wg acts in concert with other factors to cause axis duplication. Immunolocalisation studies in embryos indicate that wg protein remains localised to the blastomeres synthesizing it and has a patchy, often perinuclear distribution within these cells, although some gets to the surface. In oocytes, the pool of wg protein is entirely intracellular and relatively unstable. When the polyanion suramin is added, most of the intracellular material is recovered in the external medium.

The polarized distribution of poly(A+)-mRNA-induced functional ion channels in the Xenopus oocyte plasma membrane is prevented by anticytoskeletal drugs

Foreign mRNA was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Newly expressed ion currents localized in defined plasma membrane areas were measured using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique in combination with a specially designed chamber, that exposed only part of the surface on the oocytes to channel agonists or inhibitors. Newly expressed currents were found to be unequally distributed in the surface membrane of the oocyte. This asymmetry was most pronounced during the early phase of expression, when channels could almost exclusively be detected in the animal hemisphere of the oocyte. 4 d after injection of the mRNA, or later, channels could be found at a threefold higher density at the animal than at the vegetal pole area. The pattern of distribution was observed to be similar with various ion channels expressed from crude tissue mRNA and from cRNAs coding for rat GABAA receptor channel subunits. Electron microscopical analysis revealed very similar microvilli patterns at both oocyte pole areas. Thus, the asymmetric current distribution is not due to asymmetric surface structure. Upon incubation during the expression period in either colchicine or cytochalasin D, the current density was found to be equal in both pole areas. The inactive control substance beta-lumicolchicine had no effect on the asymmetry of distribution. Colchicine was without effect on the amplitude of the expressed whole cell current. Our measurements reveal a pathway for plasma membrane protein expression endogenous to the Xenopus oocyte, that may contribute to the formation and maintenance of polarity of this highly organized cell.

Transformation of the amphibian oocyte into the egg: structural and biochemical events

Amphibian oocytes, arrested in prophase I, are stimulated to progress to metaphase II by progesterone. This process is referred to as meiotic maturation and transforms the oocyte, which cannot support the early events of embryogenesis, into the egg, which can. Meiotic maturation entails global reorganization of cell ultrastructure: In the cell cortex, the plasma membrane flattens and the cortical granules undergo redistribution. In the cell periphery, the annulate lamellae disassemble and the mitochondria become dispersed. In the cell interior, the germinal vesicle becomes disassembled and the meiotic spindles form. Marked changes in the cytoskeleton and mRNA distribution also occur throughout the cell. All of these events are temporally correlated with intracellular signalling events: Fluctuations in cAMP levels, changes in pH, phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, and ion flux changes. Evidence suggests that specific intracellular signals are responsible for specific reorganizations of ultrastructure and mRNA distribution.

The appearance of acetylated alpha-tubulin during early development and cellular differentiation in Xenopus

Early development in Xenopus is characterized by dramatic changes in the organization of the microtubule cytoskeleton. We have used whole-mount immunocytochemistry to follow the expression of the acetylated form of alpha-tubulin during early Xenopus development. In the egg and early embryo, the monoclonal anti-acetylated tubulin antibody 6-11B-1 stained meiotic and mitotic spindles, midbody microtubules, and what appears to be the central region of the sperm aster; the antibody did not stain the sperm aster itself or the cortical microtubule system associated with the rotation of the fertilized egg. Following gastrulation, acetylated tubulin disappeared from all but mitotic midbody microtubules. During the course of neurulation high levels of acetylated tubulin reappeared in the precursors of the ciliated epidermal cells (stage 15), transiently in neural folds (stage 16/17), in neuronal processes (stage 18/19), and in somas (stage 21). The changing pattern of anti-acetylated tubulin staining during Xenopus development raises intriguing questions as to the physiological significance of tubulin acetylation.

Germinal vesicle migration and dissolution in Rana pipiens oocytes: effect of steroids and microtubule poisons

Germinal vesicle migration (GVM) as evidenced by the appearance of the germinal vesicle at the animal pole surface was induced by nocadazole and demecolcine (colcemid). Nocodazole significantly lowered the progesterone ED50 for germinal vesicle dissolution (GVD). Both demecolcine and nocodazole enhanced centrifugation-induced GVM (i.e., lowered ooplasmic viscoelasticity) after 6-h incubation, and both potentiated the effect of progesterone in this assay. Estradiol, by contrast, inhibited GVM induced by demecolcine in both follicle-enclosed and denuded oocytes. Estradiol was also found to inhibit the normal enhancement of centrifugation-induced GVM by demecolcine or progesterone. Taxol was found to have effects that were generally opposite to those of demecolcine and nocodazole. Taxol inhibited centrifugation-induced GVM either alone or in the presence of progesterone. In addition, taxol significantly increased the progesterone ED50 for GVD induction. Taken together the available data support the hypothesis that microtubules play a role in maintaining the internal position of the germinal vesicle in the prematuration oocyte and that changes occur in the oocyte cytoskeleton during maturation.

Secretion-coupled protein degradation: studies on mammary casein

Mammary explants from midpregnant rabbits were cultured for 18 h at 37 degrees C with insulin, prolactin and cortisol. Subsequently, explants were labelled for 2 h with inorganic [32P]phosphate, L-[5-3H]proline or L-[4,5-3H]leucine, washed and chased for up to 3 h. The radiolabelling profile of [32P]casein or [3H]casein during the chase period, obtained by isoelectric focussing or immunoprecipitation indicates extensive destruction of neosynthesized casein. The extent of casein destruction in mammary explants in culture (measured after radiolabelling with L-[5-3H]proline), is inversely related to casein secretion. Least casein degradation is observed in explants after 48 h in culture when casein secretion is maximal (observed histochemically). Subsequently, when the extracellular alveolar lumen is filled with secretion products (72 h), rapid intracellular casein destruction is again observed. When the chase was carried out in the presence of drugs which inhibit degradation and/or secretion, the results indicate that secretion-coupled casein degradation is dependent on an intact functional microfilamentous-microtubular network, casein is not degraded by an autophagosome requiring process, degradation is inhibited by leupeptin, amino-acid analogue containing casein does not undergo secretion-coupled degradation and inhibition of N-glycosylation of intracellular vesicular membrane proteins prevents secretion-coupled degradation. Secretion-coupled protein destruction is discussed in relation to the post-translational regulation of the net production of secretory proteins in eukaryotic cells.

Identification of the sequence responsible for the nuclear accumulation of the influenza virus nucleoprotein in Xenopus oocytes

Influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP), synthesized in Xenopus oocytes after injection of cloned NP cDNA, enters and accumulates in the nucleus. We have used in vitro mutagenesis of this cDNA to study the cellular distribution of mutated NP polypeptides. Mutants lacking amino acids 327-345 of wild-type NP enter the nucleus but do not accumulate there to the same extent as the wild-type protein, suggesting that this region has a role in nuclear accumulation. This possibility is further strengthened by similar studies involving the production of fusion proteins in which various amino-terminal sequences of the NP gene are fused to the complete chimpanzee alpha 1-globin sequence: when globin cDNA was injected into and expressed in oocytes the protein remains exclusively in the cytosol; however, when the globin cDNA is fused to a portion of NP cDNA that includes the region encoding amino acids 327-345, the resulting fusion protein enters and accumulates in the nucleus. Fusion proteins lacking this region of the NP enter but do not accumulate in the nucleus.

The biosynthesis of biologically active proteins in mRNA-microinjected Xenopus oocytes

The basic properties of mRNA-injected Xenopus oocytes as a heterologous system for the production of biologically active proteins will be reviewed. The advantages and limitations involved in the use of this in ovo system will be discussed, as compared with in vitro cell-free translation systems and with in vivo microinjected mammalian cells in culture. The different assay systems that have been utilized for the identification of the biological properties of oocyte-produced proteins will be described. This section will review the determination of properties such as binding of natural ligands, like heme or alpha-bungarotoxin; immunological recognition by antibodies; subcellular compartmentalization and/or secretion; various enzymatic catalytic activities; and induction in ovo of biological activities that affect other living cells in culture, such as those of interferon and of the T-cell receptor. The limitations involved in interpretation of results obtained using mRNA-injected oocytes will be critically reviewed. Special attention will be given to the effect of oocyte proteases and of changes in the endogenous translation rate on quantitative measurements of oocyte-produced proteins. In addition, the validity of the various measurement techniques will be evaluated. The various uses of bioassays of proteins produced in mRNA-injected Xenopus oocytes throughout the last decade will be reviewed. Nuclear and cytoplasmic injections, mRNA and protein turnover measurements and abundance calculations, and the use of in ovo bioassays for molecular cloning experiments will be discussed in this section. Finally, potential future uses of the oocyte system in various fields of research, such as immunology, neurobiology, and cell biology will be suggested.

Evidence of protein secretion by cultured pachytene spermatocytes

Pachytene spermatocytes isolated from immature rat testis were cultured for 6 h in the presence of [35S]methionine and the macromolecules present in the culture medium were analyzed by one-dimensional and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The electrophoretic profiles obtained showed a limited number of polypeptides, some of them consisting of families of spots with the same molecular weight but a different isoelectric point. The reproducibility of the results and the unaltered metabolic activity of the cells during culture time, indicate that the macromolecules present in the medium do not represent degradative products of the cells. Part of the detected macromolecules are considered secreted proteins since the addition of monensin to the cells induces their disappearance from the culture medium.