Ultrastructural localization of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in rat salivary glands by immunocytochemistry

Summary The ultrastructural localization of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) (EC 3.4.14.5) in rat submandibular and parotid glands was studied immunocytochemically by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method, using a monospecific antiserum against rat kidney DPP IV. There were no differences in the immunocytochemical localization of DPP IV between submandibular and parotid glands. In these glands, DPP IV was primarily found to be associated with the luminal and intercellular canalicular plasma membranes of acinar cells and with the luminal plasma membranes of intercalated and striated duct cells. Occasionally, immunoreaction of DPP IV was detected in cytoplasmic vesicles (vacuoles), lysosomes, and multivesicular bodies in some acinar cells as well as in ductal epithelial cells. Furthermore, the reaction product was also found within the lumina of peri-acinar and peri-ductal capillaries and in the cytoplasm of some fibroblasts in the interstitial connective tissue. These data suggest that DPP IV in the submandibular and parotid glands may play some role in the secretion or reabsorption processes of secretory proteins and peptides in these glands.     

Synchronization of somatic embryogenesis in a carrot cell suspension culture

Synchronization of somatic embryogenesis was achieved in a carrot (Daucus carota L. cv. “Kurodagosun”) suspension culture by sieving the initial heterogeneous cell population, by density gradient centrifugation in Ficoll solutions, and by subsequent repeated centrifugations at a low speed (50g) for a short time (5 seconds), followed by transferring the cell clusters obtained, which were composed of 3 to 10 cells, to a medium containing zeatin (0.1 micromolar) but no auxin. The frequency of embryo formation reached more than 90%, and synchrony of the embryogenetic process was observed at least in the early stages of the process. The system established in the present work provides a useful system for biochemical research into the mechanisms of somatic embryogenesis.     

Isoperoxidases as markers of somatic embryogenesis in carrot cell suspension cultures

Growth, peroxidase activity and isoperoxidase pattern were studied during the growth cycle of 3 cell suspension lines of carrot ( Daucus carota L.), an embryogenic, a non-embryogenic and a habituated cell line. Isoelectric focusing of extracted proteins on agarose gels revealed the isoperoxidase pattern of the embryogenic line to include, among other differences, an isoperoxidase with a pl of pH 7.0 when grown under conditions stimulating embryogenesis. This isoperoxidase (P7.0: EC 1.11.1.7) was present between days 2 and 6 after subculturing, and this period correlates well with the early stages of somatic embryogenesis. This isoenzyme showed very low activity in the non-embryogenic and habituated cell suspension lines as well as in the embryogenic cell line in the presence of Daucus carota , 2,4–dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. P7.0 could probably be used as a biochemical marker of somatic embryogenesis.     

Hyperpolarization-activated inward chloride current in protoplasts from suspension-cultured carrot cells

Summary Plasmalemmal ionic currents from enzymatically-isolated protoplasts of suspension-cultured carrot cells were investigated by patch-clamp techniques. Among other currents, a novel hyperpolarization-activated, inwardly-rectifying, whole-cell current was observed. The activation of this current was fast in onset, and for large hyperpolarizations a characteristic, rapid voltage-dependent inactivation was seen. Ion substitution experiments indicate that this inward current was due mainly to efflux of chloride ions. No dependence on either internal or external calcium was found, and internal MgATP was not necessary. Surprisingly, zinc did not block this current. In hyperpolarized outside-out patches, inward single-channel chloride currents having an elementary conductance of ca. 100 pS were observed. The open probability increased with hyperpolarization. Similar single-channel currents were activated by slight negative pressure applied to the pipette. These chloride currents could contribute both to the control of membrane potential and in the regulation of osmotic balance in carrot cells.Abbreviations BAPTA 1,2-bis (2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - E_x Nernst equilibrium potential for ion x - NMDG N-methyl-D-glucamine - PMSF phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride     

Embryogenesis from microinjected single cells in a carrot cell suspension culture

A micrroinjection method was established for intact single cells with cell walls using a carrot suspension culture system in which selected single cells differentiate to embryos at high frequency. A solution of a fluorescent dye, Lucifer Yellow CH, was microinjected into those single cells, using an inverted microscope and a hydraulic micro-manipulator. In order to hold cells with cell walls and to overcome their turgor pressure, certain modification to conventional microinjection methods for protoplasts were necessary. The microinjected cells could divide and differentiate to embryos at a frequency of about 50%.     

Ultrastructural localization of esterase and acid phosphatase in digestive gland cells of fed and starvedCepaea nemoralis (L.) (Mollusca: Helicidae)

Summary The ultrastructural localizations of thiolacetic acid esterase, indoxyl acetate esterase and acid -glycerophosphatase have been studied in the digestive gland cells of fed and starvedCepaea nemoralis. In fed snails the major localization of all three enzymes was in the green granule vacuoles of digestive cells. In addition, the cytoplasm of calcium cells and the Golgi apparatus and GERL (?) of all cell types were acid phosphatase positive. Many digestive cells of starved snails showed a similar enzyme distribution to that found in fed snails but other digestive cells showed a very high cytoplasmic activity of all three enzymes. It is suggested that these cells are in the process of autolysis. New light is also thrown on the process by which food is transported from the digestive gland lumen to the phagosomes of digestive cells.     

Heterogeneity and cell type-specific localization of a cell wall glycoprotein from carrot suspension cells

EP1, an extracellular protein from carrot (Daucus carota) cell suspensions, has been partially characterized by means of an antiserum and a cDNA clone. In both embryo and suspension cultures different molecular mass EP1 proteins were detected, some of which (31, 32, 52, and 54 kilodaltons) were bound to the cell wall and released into the medium, whereas others (49, 60, and 62 kilodaltons) were more firmly bound to the cell wall and could be extracted with a salt solution. Immunoprecipitation of in vitro translation products revealed a single primary translation product of 45 kilodaltons, suggesting that EP1 heterogeneity is due to differential posttranslational modification. In seedlings organ-specific modification of EP1 proteins was observed, a phenomenon which did not persist in suspension cultures initiated from different seedling organs. In culture EP1 proteins were only found to be associated with vacuolated, nonembryogenic cells, and on these cells they were localized in loosely attached, pectin-containing cell wall material. Purified 52/54 kilodaltons EP1 proteins did not alleviate the inhibitory effect of the glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin on somatic embryogenesis.     

Evidence for phosphorylation of tubulin in carrot suspension cells

Two-dimensional gels of phosphoproteins from carrot ( Daucus carota L. var. Juwarot) suspension cells labeled in vivo or in vitro revealed phosphoproteins that comigrate with carrot tubulin. A polyclonal antiserum to hibiscus tubulin immunoprecipitated an in vivo labeled phosphoprotein of 50 kDa. Cell-free extracts of carrot suspension cells phosphorylated both purified carrot and bovine brain tubulins in the presence of gamma-labeled adenosine triphosphate. This tubulin phosphorylating activity was reduced 2-fold in extracts from globular stage embryos and approximately 10-fold in extracts from heart/torpedo stage embryos. These data suggest that carrot cells phosphorylate tubulin, and that tubulin phosphorylating activity may be developmentally regulated     

Carotenoid synthesis in a suspension culture of carrot cells

Biosynthesis of carotenoid in cultured carrot cells was studiedin relation to cell growth and acetate metabolism. Of the twostrains tested, one (GD-1) predominantly produces ß-caroteneand the other (GD-2) lycopene. In both strains, carotenoid wasproduced in parallel with cell growth. Incorporations of acetate-¹⁴Cinto carotenoids, organic acids and amino acids were acceleratedby increasing the concentration of 2,4-D in the medium. (Received November 17, 1970; )     

Ultrastructural Localization of Acid Phosphatase Activity in Soybean Cotyledon Cells

In the cotyledon cells of the developing seeds (35～50 d after flowering) and the early germinating seeds (4 ～ 8 d after sowing) of soybean (Glycine max L. ), acid phosphatase (APase) activity was mainly deposited in the protein bodies (PB) and in endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In addition, in the early developing cotylendon cells, the prominent reaction product of APase activity was seen along the plasma membrane, in the cell wall and within the vesicles in the cytoplasm adjancent to the plasma membrane. And some of the vesicles seemed to be fused with the plasma membrane.     

Growth and division of carrot cells in suspension culture

In a submerged culture of a strain of carrot cells, cellularmorphology and the mode of cell division were greatly affectedby growth factor(s) added to the medium. In the presence of2,4-D, cells showed two-dimensional growth and often formedtetrad-like structure after a set of two divisions. The sequenceof events was observed microscopically. Orientation of cellgrowth changed after the first division and the second cellplate formed at an oblique angle to the first. When IAA wasadded, instead of 2,4-D, cells showed one-dimensional growthand developed to a filamentous form. (Received June 1, 1970; )     

An extracellular β-galactosidase secreted from cell suspension cultures of carrot. Its purification and involvement in cell wall-polysaccharide hydrolysis

β-Galactosidase (β-Galase, EC 3.2.1.23) activity has been detected in a culture medium of cell suspension cultures of carrot ( Daucus carota L. cv. Kintoki). The extracellular β-Galase (β-Galase-II) was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from the concentrated medium using ammonium sulfate precipitation, chromatography on CM-Sephadex C-50. DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B and Sephacryl S-200HR, and preparative PAGE. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 65 kDa by Sephacryl S-200HR gel-permeation, and 60 kDa by SDS-PAGE after treatment with SDS and 2-mercaptoethanol. The pI was 6.5. The K_m and V_max values for p -nitrophenyl (PNP)-β-D-galactopyranoside were 0.17 m M and 31.9 μmol (mg protein)^-1, h^-1, respectively. The optimal activity in McIlvaine's buffer occurred at pH 4.0–4.4. The enzyme activity was inhibited by Co²⁴, Cu²⁺, Hg^2-, p -chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB) and D-galactono-1,4-lactone. The enzyme acted on citrus galactan and larchwood arabinogalactan in an exo-fashion, and was slightly involved in the hydrolysis of an acidic pectic polymer containing arabinosyl and galactosyl residues and in the breakdown of cell walls isolated from carrot cell cultures.     

The isolation and enrichment of coated vesicles from suspension-cultured carrot cells

Summary A method has been developed to isolate and purify coated vesicles from suspension cultured carrot (Daucus carota L.) cells. It incorporates features of centrifugation methods (sucrose step gradient; Ficoll/D₂O gradient) previously employed in the isolation of coated vesicles from mammalian brain tissue. Most important is the treatment of the crude coated vesicle fraction (postmicrosomal supernatant) with ribonuclease to remove ribosomes which are a serious source of contamination in such fractions. The fraction finally obtained is contaminated to the extent of 30% of total observed particles in negatively stained preparations with naked vesicles whose diameter are smaller than those of the coated vesicles. These vesicles are interpreted as being coated vesicles which have been stripped of their coats. SDS-PAGE of coated vesicle fractions purified by this method reveal significant differences in the polypeptide patterns obtained from plant and animal systems.     

Isolation and developmental characterization of temperature-sensitive carrot cell variants

Summary Carrot cell lines multiply indefinitely in the presence of the auxin 2,4-D. If auxin is removed, the cells regenerate plantlets in a process that closely resembles embryogenesis in vivo. We isolated a temperature-sensitive variant, ts 2, which is unable to regenerate at 31 °C (non-permissive temperature), but does form embryos and plants at 24 °C (permissive temperature). The temperature treatment had no effect on fully differentiated ts 2 plantlets. In other variants (ts 5 and ts 11) cell proliferation was inhibited at the restrictive temperature. These lines were leaky with respect to the inhibition of embryogenesis at 31 °C.Abbreviations EMS ethylmethanesulfonate - EU embryogenic unit (see Materials and methods) - ts temperature-sensitive - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid     

Fractionation of suspension cultures of wild carrot and kinetics of membrane labeling

Summary Wild carrot (Daucus carota L.) cells, grown in suspension culture, were labeled with radioactive precursors and fractionated into constituent membranes to be analyzed for specific radioactivity. Results show rapid incorporation of [³H] leucine into endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-, Golgi apparatus-, and plasma membrane/tonoplast-enriched fractions. The time lag between incorporation into ER and its appearance in Golgi apparatus or plasma membrane/tonoplast were less than 5 minutes. With an average time of 3–4 minutes for cisternal formation estimated from studies with monensin, and an average of 5 cisternae per dictyosome (total transit time of 15–20 minutes), it was not possible to account for early incorporation of radioactivity into plasma membranes by passage of proteins from ER to plasma membrane via the Golgi apparatus. To account for the findings, it would appear that at least some proteins were delivered to the plasma membrane via the first membranes that exited (i.e., mature face vesicles) from the Golgi apparatus post-pulse and that some of these proteins had been translated and inserted into membranes at or near the mature face of the Golgi apparatus.     

Isolation and characterization of colchicine-resistant cell lines of carrot

Colchicine changes plant cell shape by disrupting cortical microtubules. This change in cell shape involves the loss of cell rigidity and, subsequently, an increase in cell volume. Dimethylsulfoxide prevents the colchicine-stimulated cell enlargement but cannot maintain the cell shape. We have isolated colchicine-resistant cell lines, col-4 and col-3, which can maintain their cell shape in colchicine at 10⁻⁴ and 10⁻³ M , respectively. Both col-4 and col-3 accumulate a low level of tubulins when grown in colchicine while the wild-type cells do not. Hence the ability to accumulate tubulins correlates with the ability to maintain cell shape. The mechanism of colchicine-resistance of col-4 is not clear but may be associated with the expression of 5 proteins with molecular masses of 64, 45, 29, 28, and 26 kDa. Col-3 cells were isolated from col-4 and presumably shared this mechanism of resistance since they also express these 5 proteins. However, col-3 cells have an additional defect resulting in reduced colchicine uptake.     

Aspects of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis during somatic embryogenesis in a carrot cell suspension culture

Changes in DNA, RNA and protein content, incorporation of ³H-thymidine, ¹⁴C-uridine and ³H-leucine and template activity of chromatin were investigated in the early process of somatic embryogenesis in a carrot (Daucus carota L. cv. Kurodagosun) cell suspension culture using a synchronous system. An embryogenetic culture in a medium containing 10^-7M zeatin was compared with a non-embryogenetic culture in a medium containing 10^-7M zeatin and 5 x 10^-7M 2,4-D. DNA was synthesized very actively prior to and during the formation of globular embryos in the embryogenetic culture. The RNA and protein content per tube increased at an almost constant rate in both cultures, while the rate of incorporation of labelled precursors of RNA and protein rose much more prior to active DNA synthesis in the embryogenetic culture than in the non-embryogenetic culture. Template activity of chromatin was high in the early stage of embryogenesis in the embryogenetic culture. The results obtained here showed that synthesis and turnover of RNA and protein became active prior to active DNA synthesis in the early stage of embryogenesis, and that these changes at macromolecular levels may play important roles in embryogenesis.     

In vivo and in vitro protective role of proline

Accumulation of proline in response to environmental stresses seems tobe widespread among plants. To elucidate the role of proline in plantresponses,in vivo and in vitro, we studied theeffect of proline on catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6), peroxidase (POD; EC 1.11.1.7)and polyphenol oxidase (PPO; EC 1.14.18.1). In vivo, thesethree enzymes were activated by proline, while CAT and POD were activated andPPO was inactivated by NaCl. In vitro, CAT and POD wereactivated and PPO was inactivated by proline. Proline appeared to protect thesethree enzyme activities. The significance of these findings with regard toenvironmental stress-induced proline accumulation in vivois discussed. The ability of proline to activate the enzymes may suggest alimited conformational change. These results are important for characterisationof metabolic responses to environmental stresses and can be used as a stressindicator.     

Ultrastructural localization of RNA in cryptomonads

Summary In a previous study, DNA was localized in cells of two cryptomonads,Pyrenomonas sp. andCryptomonas ovata, by use of immuno-gold technique. Of particular interest was the ultrastructural localization of DNA in the nucleomorph, supposed to be a vestigial nucleus of a former endosymbiont [Hansmann Pet al. (1986) Eur J Cell Biol 42: 152–160]. In the present paper, distribution of RNA in the same two organisms is reported. RNA was detected by the specific and very sensitive RNase-gold method. RNA could be demonstrated in all of the four plasmatic compartments of cryptomonad cells (cytoplasm, periplastidal compartment, mitochondrion, and plastid), although the amounts differed greatly in the respective compartments. In the nucleus, the condensed chromatin and the nucleolus were preferentially labeled. Intense labeling could also be found over the fibrillogranular region of the nucleomorph. This fact lends strong support to the supposition that the fibrillogranular body represents the structural and functional equivalent of a nucleolus and thus again supports the hypothesis that the nucleomorph represents a vestigial eukaryotic nucleus. InPyrenomonas sp., gold-particle density over the nucleolus and the fibrillogranular body was quantitatively evaluated in order to compare their respective RNA synthesizing activities. Labeling density over the nucleolus was found to be 2.7 times higher and thus, on account of its greater volume, the nucleolus may contain 17 times more RNA than the fibrillogranular body of the nucleomorph.Abbreviations BSA bovine serum albumin - ER endoplasmic reticulum - GA glutaraldehyde - SSC standard saline citrate - SSCB SSC containing BSA