Distinct temporal requirements for autophagy and the proteasome in yeast meiosis

Meiosis is a special type of cellular renovation that involves 2 successive cell divisions and a single round of DNA replication. Two major degradation systems, the autophagy-lysosome and the ubiquitin-proteasome, are involved in meiosis, but their roles have yet to be elucidated. Here we show that autophagy mainly affects the initiation of meiosis but not the nuclear division. Autophagy works not only by serving as a dynamic recycling system but also by eliminating some negative meiotic regulators such as Ego4 (Ynr034w-a). In a quantitative proteomics study, the proteasome was found to be significantly upregulated during meiotic divisions. We found that proteasomal activity is essential to the 2 successive meiotic nuclear divisions but not for the initiation of meiosis. Our study defines the roles of autophagy and the proteasome in meiosis: Autophagy mainly affects the initiation of meiosis, whereas the proteasome mainly affects the 2 successive meiotic divisions.     

3种龙葵表皮毛类型及发育过程观察研究

通过观察发现龙葵（Ｓｏｌａｎｕｍ ｎｉｇｒｕｍ Ｌ．）、少花龙葵（Ｓ．ｐｈｏｔｅｉｎｏｃａｒｐｕｍ Ｎａｋａｍ,ｅｔＯ－ｄｓｈｉ）和黄果龙葵（Ｓ．ｎｉｇｕｍ Ｌ．ｖａｒ．ｓｕａｖｅｏｌｅｎｓ Ｇ．Ｌ．Ｇｕｏ）的表皮毛均为腺毛,主要有单细胞头腺毛和多细胞头腺毛２种。腺毛的原始细胞都来源于原表皮细胞,经２次平周分裂产生基细胞、柄细胞和顶端细胞、在腺毛后期的形态发生中,柄细胞和顶细胞的分裂状态决定腺毛的     

“GREENCE” technology for in silico analysis of gene network dynamics in individual cells of a clonal population

The technology developed for in silico analysis of gene network behavior in a series of successive cell divisions makes it possible to obtain gene expression profiles in the cells of intermediate and final generations and to evaluate the relation among the cells heterogeneous by the functional states of gene subnetworks. Based on the model of a hypothetical gene network, which includes three cyclic digene systems with negative feedbacks, a new property of dynamic epigenes is confirmed, i.e., metastability of some epigenotypes, which earlier was predicted theoretically and found in experiments in vivo. A dynamic epigene is a cyclic system of genes with more than one inherited functional states, or epigenotypes. In a metastable state such a relation among repressors is set in a cell that, as a result of random distribution of the molecules and fluctuations of protein concentrations, subsequent divisions give daughter cells appear determined to alternative epigenotypes. It is shown in computer experiments that even systems in which dynamic epigenes are typical elements can possess this property.

     

Assessment of the state of activity of individual bacterial cells by hybridization with a ribosomal RNA targeted fluorescently labelled oligonucleotidic probe

Abstract A fluorescently labelled oligonucleotide probe complementary to an evolutionarily conserved domain of the small subunit ribosomal RNA sequence has been used with an image analysis equipment to quantify cellular rRNA contents during the successive phase of a bacterial culture ( Escherichia coli ). The amount of hybridization increased steadily upon inoculation of stationary phase bacteria into a new medium, while cell divisions were delayed. This hybridization signal was abruptly reduced by 50% at the onset of the exponential growth phase during which it then remained stable. A further slow decrease took place during stationary phase. The amount of rRNA per cell is thus maximal immediately before the beginning of active cell division. The implications of these results are discussed in terms of bacterial ecology.     

Fate of DNA lesions that elicit sister-chromatid exchanges

Using 3-way differential staining (TWD) of sister chromatids, the fate of DNA lesions involved in sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) formation was determined in murine bone marrow cells in vivo, after treatment with either mitomycin C (MMC) or cyclophosphamide (CP). Both MMC (2.6 mg/kg b.w.) and CP (7 mg/kg b.w.) induced an SCE frequency near the expected in the 2 subsequent cell divisions, but the frequency of SCE occurring at the same locus in successive cell divisions was substantially lower than expected. The results are compared with previous data obtained after exposure to gamma-rays. A model of SCE induction is proposed.     

Growth and Differentiation of Plant Tissue Cultures: II. Synchronous Cell Divisions in Developing Callus Cultures

Explants isolated from Jerusalem Artichoke tubers are stimulatedto divide when placed in contact with a nutrient medium containingsucrose, mineral salts, coconut milk, and 2: 4-dichlorophenoxyaceticacid. The first two or three cell divisions, which only occurin the outer layers of the explant, do not occur uniformly withtime but are, at least, partially synchronous. This synchrony,which decreases with successive divisions, is inherent. DNAsynthesis, which is an essential prerequisite for division inthese cells, is also partially synchronous. These conclusions,while being of some significance in relation to the interpretationof the early development of the callus, are also of some interestin relation to the possible exploitation of this system forthe study of cell division.     

In Vivo Observation of Cell Division of Anaerobic Hyperthermophiles by Using a High-Intensity Dark-Field Microscope

To study growth and cell division of anaerobic hyperthermophilic archaea in vivo, a cultivation technique using glass capillaries was developed. At temperatures of 90 to 98 degrees C, at least 10 successive cell divisions of Pyrodictium abyssi TAG 11 were documented. Cells divide by binary fission. Visualized under a modified dark-field microscope, the formation of cannulae, which finally connected all cells, was observed. The cannulae elongated at 1.0 to 1.5 micrometers/min and reached final lengths of between 30 and 150 micrometers. A "snapping division"-like mode of cell fission was discovered for Thermoproteus tenax.     

“GREENCE” technology for <Emphasis Type="Italic">in silico</Emphasis> analysis of gene network dynamics in individual cells of a clonal population

The technology developed for in silico analysis of gene network behavior in a series of successive cell divisions makes it possible to obtain gene expression profiles in the cells of intermediate and final generations and to evaluate the relation among the cells heterogeneous by the functional states of gene subnetworks. Based on the model of a hypothetical gene network, which includes three cyclic digene systems with negative feedbacks, a new property of dynamic epigenes is confirmed, i.e., metastability of some epigenotypes, which earlier was predicted theoretically and found in experiments in vivo. A dynamic epigene is a cyclic system of genes with more than one inherited functional states, or epigenotypes. In a metastable state such a relation among repressors is set in a cell that, as a result of random distribution of the molecules and fluctuations of protein concentrations, subsequent divisions give daughter cells appear determined to alternative epigenotypes. It is shown in computer experiments that even systems in which dynamic epigenes are typical elements can possess this property.     

Clonal analysis of stomatal development and patterning in Arabidopsis leaves.

Cell lineage has been used to explain the stomatal distribution in several plant species. We have used transgenic plants carrying a 35SGUS::Ac construct that produces clonal sectors to analyze the possible role of cell lineage during the establishment of stomatal patterning in Arabidopsis leaves. The analysis of sectors ranging from two to eighteen cells supports the conclusion that most stomatal complexes derive from a single and immediate precursor cell through a stereotyped pattern of three unequal cell divisions followed by a final equal one. In addition, it shows that the successive cell divisions take place at a constant angle (approximately 60 degrees ) with respect to the previous one. Interestingly, this angular dimension shifts from 60 degrees to 0 degrees in the last cell division that gives rise to the stoma. These sectors also reveal the development of both clockwise and counterclockwise patterns of cell divisions during stomatal development in approximately equal numbers. Our clonal analysis indicates that cell divisions involved in the development of stomatal complexes are probably the last ones contributing to epidermal growth and development. Finally, the stereotyped pattern of cell divisions that culminates in the formation of stomatal complexes indicates that cell lineage plays a very important role during stomatal pattern establishment.     

The shut-down gene of Drosophila melanogaster encodes a novel FK506-binding protein essential for the formation of germline cysts during oogenesis

In Drosophila melanogaster, the process of oogenesis is initiated with the asymmetric division of a germline stem cell. This division results in the self-renewal of the stem cell and the generation of a daughter cell that undergoes four successive mitotic divisions to produce a germline cyst of 16 cells. Here, we show that shut-down is essential for the normal function of the germline stem cells. Analysis of weak loss-of-function alleles confirms that shut-down is also required at later stages of oogenesis. Clonal analysis indicates that shut-down functions autonomously in the germline. Using a positional cloning approach, we have isolated the shut-down gene. Consistent with its function, the RNA and protein are strongly expressed in the germline stem cells and in 16-cell cysts. The RNA is also present in the germ cells throughout embryogenesis. shut-down encodes a novel Drosophila protein similar to the heat-shock protein-binding immunophilins. Like immunophilins, Shut-down contains an FK506-binding protein domain and a tetratricopeptide repeat. In plants, high-molecular-weight immunophilins have been shown to regulate cell divisions in the root meristem in response to extracellular signals. Our results suggest that shut-down may regulate germ cell divisions in the germarium.     

Cell genealogies in a plant meristem deduced with the aid of a 'bootstrap' L-system

Abstract. The primary root meristem of maize ( Zea mays L.) contains longitudinal files of cells arranged in groups of familial descent (sisters, cousins, etc.). These groups, or packets, show ordered sequences of cell division, which are transverse with respect to the apico-basal axis of the root. The sequences have been analysed in three zones of the meristem during the course of the first four cell generations following germination. In this period, the number of cells in the packets increases from one to 16. Theoretically, there are 48 possible division pathways that lead to the eight-cell stage, and nearly 2- × 10⁶ that lead to the 16-cell stage. However, analysis shows that only a few of all the possible pathways are used in any particular zone of the root. This restriction of pathways results from inherited sequences of asymmetric cell divisions, which lead to sister cells of unequal length. All possible division pathways can be generated by deterministic 'bootstrap' L-systems which assign different life spans to sister cells of successive generations and hence specify their subsequent sequence of divisions. These systems simulate propagating patterns of cell divisions, which agree with those actually found within the growing packets that comprise the root meristem. The patterns of division are specific to cells originating in various regions of the meristem of the germinating root. The importance of such systems is that they simulate patterns of cellular proliferation where there is ancestral dependency. They can therefore be applied in other growing and proliferating systems where this is suspected.     

A stochastic model for in vitro ageing II. A theory of marginotomy

A model for variation in the lifespan of mass cultures and clones of human diploid fibroblasts is analyzed. The model is based on Olovnikov's theory of marginotomy and the following four assumptions: The time between successive divisions of a given cell may be split into a portion of fixed length and a portion of random length; cells divide or lose the ability to divide independently of one another; there is a fixed probability that a cell may lose one of its important parts during DNA synthesis; there is a small but fixed probability that a cell may lose all its important parts and hence the ability to replicate further during DNA synthesis. Samples taken by Monte Carlo means at successive stages in the development of a hypothetical population are compared with clonal survival data derived experimentally. The fit between theoretical and experimental findings is within the range of variation inherent in the experimental method. Applications of the theory and suggestions for further experiments are given.     

Reproduction and differentiation of the cells in enchondral osteogenesis

Light and electron-microscopical 3H-thymidine autoradiography was used to study the dynamics of cell populations in the zones of enchondral osteogenesis in a tubular bone. In the early postnatal ontogenesis little differentiated perivascular cells are characterized by the highest proliferative activity in this region; they are considered as a population containing initial forms of the histogenetic sequence (differon) of the stromal fibroblast-like cells including osteoblasts. Differentiation of osteogenic cells from the initial forms to the mature osteoblasts proceeds through a number of successive divisions (1-3 divisions) and is accompanied by a decrease in the proliferative activity due to the increase in the generation time and decrease in the cell proliferative pool. The major part of osteoblasts is outside the mitotic cycle. At the later stages of ontogenesis the intensity of growth processes in the bone is provided for by changes in the proliferative pool of the committed precursor cells (preosteoblasts) which make a part of endosteum, vascular channels and bone marrow stroma.     

Myogenic stem cell commitment probability remains constant as a function of organismal and mitotic age

Chicken myogenic stem cells can undergo symmetric and asymmetric cell divisions. Symmetric divisions produce two stem cells or two cells committed to terminal muscle differentiation. Asymmetric divisions produce one stem cell and one committed cell. Committed cells undergo four divisions, and their progeny differentiate into postmitotic, biochemically distinct muscle cells, which can be identified immunocytochemically. The control of stem cell commitment was investigated in vitro by means of cell cloning and subcloning experiments, and computer modeling. We found that stem cell commitment is a process which can be modeled as a stochastic event, with a central tendency or probability of 0.2 +/- 0.1. This value is independent of organismal or mitotic age of the stem cells, cell density, or growth in a mitogen-poor environment. Myogenic stem cells stop dividing after approximately 30 divisions in vitro. Since the probability of commitment to terminal differentiation remains below 0.5, clonal senescence and terminal differentiation are separate processes in this system.     

Development of protophloem in roots ofAegilops comosa var.thessalica. I. Differential divisions and pre-prophase bands of microtubules

Summary The formative divisions of protophloem mother cells in roots of the grassAegilops comosa var.thessalica have been investigated by means of light and electron microscopy. Two successive differential divisions create protophloem poles consisting of a protophloem sieve element and two companion cells. Pre-prophase bands of microtubules appear in premitotic cells anticipating the plane of orientation of the cell plate and indicating the site where the daughter wall will join the parent one. Evidence is accumulated that the site previously occupied by pre-prophase band is bisected by the new wall. Structural asymmetries that could express polarity, like organelle displacement, were not observed in premitotic cells. A working hypothesis is proposed integrating the conclusions of the present study in a diagram correlating pre-prophase bands of microtubules and differential divisions.     

Proliferation and survival of activated B cells requires sustained antigen receptor engagement and phosphoinositide 3-kinase activation

In this study, we investigate the extracellular and intracellular signals that drive cell cycle progression of activated B cells in the absence of T cell help. We find that brief engagement of the B cell receptor is sufficient to induce a single cell division in a fraction of cells, but that survival during successive cell divisions requires sustained receptor stimulation. In contrast, T cells have been shown previously to commit to multiple cell divisions following brief TCR engagement. Both early and late B cell receptor signals are blocked by inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin and are associated with S6 kinase activation and increased cell size. The requirement for ongoing Ag receptor signaling can be overcome by engagement of CD40 but only partially by IL-4. Proliferation driven by LPS also requires sustained exposure to the stimulus. These findings reveal checkpoints that may limit T-independent B cell responses when Ag exposure is transient.     

Divided we stand: tracking cell proliferation with carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester

Most techniques for assessing cell division can either detect limited numbers of cell divisions (bromodeoxyuridine incorporation) or only quantify overall proliferation (tritiated thymidine incorporation). In the majority of cases, viable cells of known division history cannot subsequently be obtained for functional studies. The cells of the immune system undergo marked proliferation and differentiation during the course of an immune response. The relative lack of an organized structure of the lymphohaemopoietic system, in contrast with other organ systems, makes lineage interrelationships difficult to study. Coupled with the remarkable degree of mobility engendered by recirculation, the differentiation occurring along with cell division in the immune system has not been readily accessible for investigation. The present article reviews the development of a cell division analysis procedure based on the quantitative serial halving of the membrane permeant, stably incorporating fluorescent dye carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE or CFDA, SE). The technique can be used both in vitro and in vivo, allowing eight to 10 successive divisions to be resolved by flow cytometry. Furthermore, viable cells from defined generation numbers can be sorted by flow cytometry for functional analysis.     

Nuclear Division Without Cytokinesis Followed by Fusion of Pronuclei in Paranotila lata gen. et sp. nov.

SYNOPSIS. Under the influence of ecdysone a uninucleate asexual cell of Paranotila lata gen. et sp. nov. is transformed into a gametocyte in which, as a rule, 8 successive nuclear divisions occur, thus producing 8 male and 8 female pronuclei. No cytokinesis occurs during these divisions. The process should be regarded as a gametogenesis in which only nuclei participate. These gametic pronuclei fuse, male with female, and produce 8 fusion or zygotic nuclei. The cell may now be regarded as a zygote , which soon undergoes plasmotomy, and eventually produces 8 uninucleate, diploid asexual cells. This is the usual course of events. A few exceptions or irregularities have been noted. Throughout gametogenesis, Paranotila is quite indifferent regarding the production of new flagella and axostyles; sometimes they are produced, sometimes they are not.     

Visualizing multiple constrictions in spheroidal Escherichia coli cells

An Escherichia coli cell grows by elongation and divides in a perpendicular plane. Alternating planes of successive divisions in three dimensions can only be ascertained when multiple constrictions exist simultaneously in large, spheroidal cells (with extended constriction process), if the division signals are enhanced. Large, spheroidal cells are obtained by a brief mecillinam treatment, and more frequent divisions are achieved by manipulating the rate of chromosome replication without affecting cell mass growth rate. Such a procedure has recently been performed by thymine-limitation of E. coli K12 strain CR34 (Zaritsky et al., Microbiology 145 (1999), 1052-1022). Enhancing the replication rate in cells with multi-forked replicating chromosomes (by addition of deoxyguanosine) shortens the intervals between successive terminations and thus triggers divisions more frequently. Monoclonal antibodies against FtsZ were used to visualize the rings of secondary constrictions, but apparent shortage of FtsZ to complete rings over wide cells allowed assembly of arcs only. The arcs observed were not parallel nor perpendicular; the tilted constriction planes are consistent with our 3-D 'nucleoid segregation'model for division under conditions which relieve the cylindrical constraint for nucleoid segregation by the bacillari peptidoglycan sacculus (Woldringh et al. , J. Bacteriol. 176 (1994) 6030-6038). The shortage in FtsZ may explain the longer time required to complete the division process in wide cells with long circumferences, observed during thymine step-up. Overexpression of fusion protein FtsZ-GFP on a multi-copy plasmid should circumvent the shortage.     

羽叶薰衣草表皮毛的发育解剖学研究

对羽叶薰衣草(LavandulapinnataL.)茎和叶上两种表皮毛(腺毛和非腺毛)发育的解剖学观察表明,两者的发生都源于茎或叶的原表皮细胞,但外部形态、发育过程及功能明显不同。腺毛有头状腺毛和盾状腺毛两种类型,均由1个基细胞、1个柄细胞和头部细胞构成。头状腺毛的头部只有1个或2个分泌细胞,盾状腺毛由8个分泌细胞构成头部。非腺毛由3-20个细胞组成,可分为三种类型:单列不分枝、二叉分枝和三叉及三叉以上多分枝的树状分枝。非腺毛的顶部细胞由基部到顶部逐渐变细,先端成尖形。腺毛发育由原表皮细胞经两次平周分裂形成,由于柄细胞和头部细胞所处的分化状态不同而发育成两类腺毛。非腺毛由非腺毛原始细胞经二次或多次平周分裂和不均等分裂,再发育成数个至二十多个子细胞。