Electron microscopic observations on alterations in cultured Plasmodium falciparum and infected erythrocytes after treatment with cyclic AMP in vitro

The fine structure of Plasmodium falciparum treated with cyclic AMP in vitro was studied. Cyclic AMP stimulated the appearance of membranous structures in P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes. Two types of membranous structures originating from the host cell were observed: multilaminate membranous structures and multistranded layer-like membranous structures. The multilaminate structures may play a role in gametocytogenesis and the maturation of the gametocyte. The multilaminate structures were either free in the cytoplasm of infected erythrocytes or present in association with the parasitophorous vacuole membrane surrounding immature gametocytes. These structures may originate from the erythrocyte plasma membrane and the parasitophorous vacuole membrane. Other notable findings in P. falciparum treated with cyclic AMP included the presence of loop-like membrane structures protruding from the plasma membrane of the parasite and termination of some plasma membranes of the parasite in dense granular structures.     

ON THE THICKNESS OF THE UNIT MEMBRANE

Peak-to-peak distances between two dense lines of the unit membranes of cell organelles were measured on electron micrographs. These distances were compared with corresponding measurements on the plasma membrane and assigned a percentage value. The comparison between organelle and plasma membrane was always carried out with the same negative, in order to exclude as far as possible errors due to differences in focus or other causes. It was revealed by this study that the membranous structures of the cell can be classified into two groups, one thicker and one thinner. Unit membranes of the thicker group (synaptic vesicles, vesicles and capsules of multivesicular bodies, Golgi vesicles) were not significantly different in thickness from the plasma membrane. Unit membranes of the thinner group (mitochondria, nuclear membranes, Golgi lamellae, endoplasmic reticulum), however, were between 85 and 90 per cent of the thickness of the plasma membrane.     

Complex dynamic development of poliovirus membranous replication complexes

Replication of all positive-strand RNA viruses is intimately associated with membranes. Here we utilize electron tomography and other methods to investigate the remodeling of membranes in poliovirus-infected cells. We found that the viral replication structures previously described as "vesicles" are in fact convoluted, branching chambers with complex and dynamic morphology. They are likely to originate from cis-Golgi membranes and are represented during the early stages of infection by single-walled connecting and branching tubular compartments. These early viral organelles gradually transform into double-membrane structures by extension of membranous walls and/or collapsing of the luminal cavity of the single-membrane structures. As the double-membrane regions develop, they enclose cytoplasmic material. At this stage, a continuous membranous structure may have double- and single-walled membrane morphology at adjacent cross-sections. In the late stages of the replication cycle, the structures are represented mostly by double-membrane vesicles. Viral replication proteins, double-stranded RNA species, and actively replicating RNA are associated with both double- and single-membrane structures. However, the exponential phase of viral RNA synthesis occurs when single-membrane formations are predominant in the cell. It has been shown previously that replication complexes of some other positive-strand RNA viruses form on membrane invaginations, which result from negative membrane curvature. Our data show that the remodeling of cellular membranes in poliovirus-infected cells produces structures with positive curvature of membranes. Thus, it is likely that there is a fundamental divergence in the requirements for the supporting cellular membrane-shaping machinery among different groups of positive-strand RNA viruses.     

CHANGES IN THE SPERMATOZOON DURING FERTILIZATION IN HYDROIDES HEXAGONUS (ANNELIDA) : II. Incorporation with the Egg

This, the last of a series of three papers, deals with the final events which lead to the incorporation of the spermatozoon with the egg. The material used consisted of moderately polyspermic eggs of Hydroides hexagonus, osmium-fixed at various times up to five minutes after insemination. The first direct contact of sperm head with egg proper is by means of the acrosomal tubules. These deeply indent the egg plasma membrane, and consequently at the apex of the sperm head the surfaces of the two gametes become interdigitated. But at first the sperm and egg plasma membranes maintain their identity and a cross-section through the region of interdigitation shows these two membranes as a number of sets of two closely concentric rings. The egg plasma membrane rises to form a cone which starts to project into the hole which the spermatozoon earlier had produced in the vitelline membrane by means of lysis. But the cone does not literally engulf the sperm head. Instead, where they come into contact, sperm plasma membrane and egg plasma membrane fuse to form one continuous membranous sheet. At this juncture the two gametes have in effect become mutually incorporated and have formed a single fertilized cell with one continuous bounding membrane. At this time, at least, the membrane is a mosaic of mostly egg plasma membrane and a patch of sperm plasma membrane. The evidence indicates that the fusion of the two membranes results from vesiculation of the sperm and egg plasma membranes in the region at which they come to adjoin. Once this fusion of membranes is accomplished, the egg cytoplasm intrudes between the now common membrane and the internal sperm structures, such as the nucleus, and even extends into the flagellum; finally these sperm structures come to lie in the main body of the egg. The vesiculation suggested above appears possibly to resemble pinocytosis, with the difference that the vesicles are formed from the plasma membranes of two cells. At no time, however, is the sperm as a whole engulfed and brought to the interior of the egg within a large vesicle.     

Separate pathways of maturation of the major structural proteins of vesicular stomatitis virus.

Cell fractionation and protein electrophoresis were used to study the intracellular sites of synthesis and intermediate structures in the assembly of the virion proteins of vesicular stomatitis virus. Each of the three major virion proteins assembled into virions through a separable pathway. The nucleocapsid (N) protein was first a soluble protein and later incorporated into free, cytoplasmic nucleocapsids. A small amount of N protein was bound to membranes at later times, presumably representing either nucleocapsids in the process of budding or completed virions attached to the cell surface. The matrix (M) protein also appeared to be synthesized as a soluble protein, but was then directly incorporated into membranous structures with the same density as whole virus. Very little M protein was ever found in membranes banding at the density of plasma membranes. The M protein entered extracellular virus very quickly, as though it moved directly from a soluble state into budding virus. In contrast, the glycoprotein (G) was always membrane bound; it appeared to be directly inserted into membranes during its synthesis. Glycosylation of the G protein was completed only in smooth membrane fractions, possibly in the Golgi apparatus. After a minimum time of 15 min following its synthesis, G protein was incorporated into the surface plasma membrane, from which it was slowly shed into virions. These multiple processing steps probably account for its delayed appearance in virus. From this work it appears that the three major structural proteins come into the surface budding structure through independent pathways and together they coalesce at the plasma membrane to form the mature virion.     

Intracytoplasmic Membrane Structures in Vibrio marinus

An electron microscope study of Vibrio marinus strains MP-1, an obligate psychrophile, and PS-207, a moderate psychrophile, revealed numerous intracellular membranous structures. The structures were found to occur more frequently in V. marinus strain MP-1 than in strain PS-207. The frequency of occurrence and complexity of structure were related to age of the culture. In early logarithmic phase, cells revealed invaginations of the plasma membrane. More complex membrane forms, found in late logarithmic and stationary phase, were either myelin-like sheaths, for which the term "myelemma" is proposed, or membranes randomly arranged throughout the cells. The complex membrane forms were not observed to be directly connected with the plasma membrane. However, they were often found in approximation to the plasma membrane or associated with vacuoles and circular membrane profiles. Individual membranes were of a tripartite structure and of dimensions similar to the cell wall and plasma membrane.     

The Fine Structure of Streptomyces coelicolor : I. The Cytoplasmic Membrane System

Colonies and spore suspensions of Streptomyces coelicolor were fixed by the method of Kellenberger, Ryter, and Séchaud (1958) and embedded in methacrylate or araldite. Thin sections were cut with an A. F. Huxley microtome and examined in a Siemens' Elmiskop I. At all stages of development the hyphae of Streptomyces coelicolor have an extensive membranous component in the cytoplasm. The membranes are continuous with the plasma membrane and have a variety of configurations at different places in the hyphae. Tubular structures, vesicles, and parallel stacks of membranes are seen. In some areas concentric layers of membranes form whorled structures which are particularly frequent in the region of developing cross-walls and within maturing spores. In the spores membranous structures often lie embedded in the nuclear material. In disintegrating hyphae the intracytoplasmic membranes round off into small vesicles and remain when the rest of the cytoplasmic structure has gone. In the absence of typical mitochondria and other cytoplasmic membranous structures it is possible that the membranous component of the cytoplasm of Streptomyces coelicolor may perform the functions of the endoplasmic reticulum and/or the mitochondria of higher cells.     

Immuno-electron-microscopic localization of laminin and collagen type IV in normal and denervated tooth pulp of the cat

Summary The distribution of laminin-like immunoreactivity in adult normal and denervated cat mandibular tooth pulps was studied by the use of fluorescence microscopy and pre-embedding immunogold electron microscopy. Immunoreactivity to collagen IV was also assessed in order to distinguish basement membranes. In normal pulps, light-microscope laminin-like immunoreactivity was strong along blood vessels and Schwann cell sheaths, and a faint immunoreactivity was seen also in the odontoblast layer. Electron microscopy confirmed the laminin-like immunoreactivity of endothelial and Schwann cell basement membranes at all pulpal levels. In the odontoblast layer and the predentine, nerve-like structures lacking basement membranes but possessing strong membrane laminin-like immunoreactivity were encountered. In addition, a clear-cut laminin-like immunoreactivity of plasma membranes of the somata and processes of odontoblasts was seen. Observations on denervated pulps as well as pulps in which nerve regeneration had taken place did not reveal any changes in the pattern of laminin-immunoreactivity in basement membranes or odontoblasts. Distribution of collagen IV-like immunoreactivity was very similar to laminin-like immunoreactivity in basement membranes of blood vessels and Schwann cells, and appeared unaffected by denervation. The odontoblasts and nerve-like profiles in the odontoblast layer were devoid of collagen IV-like immunoreactivity. We propose that odontoblast-associated laminin could be of significance as guidance for regenerating terminal pulpal nerve fibers to appropriate targets.     

The plasma membrane of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Molecular structure and asymmetry

The molecular structure of the plasma membrane of the haploid strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae X-2180 1A has been studied by means of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Protein and glycoprotein components have been identified and their apparent M_r determined. A glycoprotein showing an apparent M_r of 27 500 has been shown to be the main structural component. Treatment of the cells with cycloheximide prior to plasma membrane isolation resulted in a redistribution of the relative amounts of each protein band and a drastic reduction in the number of Schiff positive bands. It is postulated that treatment with this drug rids the plasma membrane of glycoprotein secretory components which are in the process of being secreted to the periplasmic space, thus allowing the study of the basic structural components of the organelle. The electrophoretic pattern of the internal membranes revealed close similarities with that of the plasma membrane and though two-dimensional electrophoresis might disclose greater differences, these similarities suggest a common origin for most of the components of both membranous systems. Finally, radioiodination techniques have been used in studying the asymmetric disposition of some of the components of the plasma membrane. At least five polypeptides were identified as located to the outer layer of the plasma membrane and two more glycopeptides were shown to span across the bilayer.     

Wistar Furth Rat Megakaryocytes Lack Dense Compartments and Intercellular Plaques,Membranous Structures Rich in Cytoskeletal Proteins

Wistar Furth (WF) rats have an abnormal thrombopoietic phenotype with morphologically aberrant megakaryocytes, larger than normal mean platelet volume, and platelet alpha-granule protein deficiency. Here, ultrastructural comparisons of WF rat megakaryocytes to those of rats (Wistar) with normal platelet formation during stimulated megakaryocytopoiesis following 5-fluorouracil administration, have revealed a previously unrecognized membrane structure in normal rat megakaryocytes, and two additional abnormalities in WF megakaryocytes. The novel structures were zones of electron density on the cytoplasmic face of apposed plasma membranes of adjoining normal megakaryocytes. These modified focal adhesion-type contacts were distributed at intervals between adjacent megakaryocytes, and were spaced by deposits of extracellular material. These structures also were present between apposed plasma membranes of Wistar rat megakaryocytes in unperturbed marrows, but were absent between megakaryocytes of WF rats. The second WF rat megakaryocyte abnormality is the absence of cytoplasmic dense compartments, another specialized membranous structure that is continuous with the megakaryocyte demarcation membrane system. Both the intercellular plaques and dense compartments of Wistar rat megakaryocytes were found to be rich in cytoskeletal proteins including actin, α-actinin, talin, and vinculin as indicated by ultrastructural immunogold labeling. We hypothesize that an abnormality in cytoskeletal protein function may be responsible for the lack of these structures in the WF rat.     

Glycoprotein and protein precursors to plasma membranes in vesicular stomatitis virus infected HeLa cells

Vesicular stomatitis virus is known to mature at HeLa cell plasma membranes. To study the process, cells, infected with vesicular stomatitis virus, were fractionated after short term labeling studies (1 min pulse, 1 min chase) to determine the assembly kinetics of G protein and M protein into plasma membranes. Newly synthesized M protein was found released in the supernatant from which free polysomes were sedimented during sucrose gradient analysis of these polysomes. If this M protein is particle bound, it must have a density of less than 1.08 g/ml. About 40% of this M protein so labeled was not sedimentable at 165,000 X g for 16 h. This newly synthesized M protein had not yet assembled into plasma membrane and thus must represent an internal pool. This and previous studies show that it has a subsequent transit time to the plasma membrane of about 2 min. Once associated with plasma membranes, M protein decayed in an approximately logarithmic fashion indicating that newly synthesized M randomly mixes (and turns over) with preexisting M protein. G protein was particle bound in a 1 min pulse, 1 min chase, and was never found released in a soluble form. At the later time when fucose is added to G protein, the oligosaccharide moiety is near to complete, and on completion is about 2,000 in molecular weight. Evidence is presented showing that fucose is probably attached to the N-acetylglucosamine of the protein carbohydrate linkage. G protein to which fucose had just been added was located internally on a membranous fraction of density 1.14 g/ml in sucrose; its subsequent transit time from this pool (which in uninfected cells is between 1–2% of the total cell fucosyl glycoprotein) was about 15 min. Because their densities were different and their transit times were different, internal newly synthesized M and fucosyl G protein which assemble into plasma membranes were not on the same internal membranous component. Association of M protein with the plasma membranes may thus occur from a nonsedimentable soluble cytoplasmic pool by a process of direct adsorption.     

Aspergillus niger G proteins: subcellular localization

Aspergillus niger postmitochondrial fraction, which contains high GTPase activity and high GTP binding capacity, has been subjected to subcellular fractionation on a sucrose gradient. A cytosolic and four membranous populations have been separated according to their relative density. The main difficulty has been the characterization of the plasma membrane of the fungus. This fraction, which does not contain any typical enzyme, has been identified after iodination of the outer proteins of protoplasts from A. niger. The immunological detection has shown the occurrence of cytosolic G proteins and membranous small G proteins located not only in the plasma membrane but also in the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum.     

The association of glycolytic enzymes with cellular and model membranes

This article deals with the binding of glycolytic enzymes with membranous or protein subcellular structures. The representative papers of the last three decades dealing with this matter are reviewed. The studies evidencing the binding of some glycolytic enzymes to insoluble subcellular proteins and membranous structures are presented. It is currently generally accepted that the glycolytic enzymes work in some organisation. Such organisation undoubtedly plays a marked role, although still poorly known, in the regulation processes of glycolysis. From this review, the conclusion emerges that the regulatory ability of the binding of glycolytic enzymes to cellular membranes should be added to the list of well-known mechanisms of post-translational regulation of the glycolytic enzymes. Some of the results presented are the background for the hypothesis that planar phospholipid domains in/on the membrane surface are capable of functioning as binding sites for these enzymes. Such binding can modify the conformation state of the enzymes, which results in changes in their kinetic properties; thus, it may function as a regulator of catalytic activity     

The parasitophorous vacuole membrane of Plasmodium falciparum: demonstration of vesicle formation using an immunoprobe

We have applied several immunolabeling techniques using a monoclonal antibody to a Plasmodium falciparum antigen to differentiate morphologically dissimilar membranous structures present in infected erythrocytes. Evidence is presented that cytoplasmic clefts, multimembranous structures and vesicles within the infected cell originate from the parasitophorous vacuole membrane by a process described as budding off. The parasitophorous vacuole membrane and related structures in infected, parasitized erythrocytes reacted with the cyanine dye Merocyanine 540, demonstrating that they are accessible to molecules from the extracellular environment. Immunogold labeling of freeze-fractured preparations and of thin sections of parasitized cells using pre- and post-embedding techniques revealed that each of the membranous structures carried a common parasite antigen, QF 116, which was identified by monoclonal antibody 8E7/55.     

Architecture and regulation of the HIV-1 assembly and holding compartment in macrophages

Productive infection of macrophages is central to HIV-1 pathogenesis. Newly formed virions bud into a tubular membranous compartment that is contiguous with the plasma membrane. However, little is known about the structure of this compartment and its potential regulation by infection. Here we characterized this compartment in macrophages using electron tomography and electron microscopy with stereology. We found an intricate, interconnected membrane network that constitutes a preexisting physiologic structure in macrophages but which expands in size upon HIV-1 infection. Membranes required for this expansion were apparently derived from preexisting pools of plasma membrane. Physical connections between this compartment and the extracellular milieu were frequently made by tube-like structures of insufficient diameter for virion passage. We conclude that HIV-1 induces the expansion of a complex membranous labyrinth in macrophages in which the virus buds and can be retained, with potential consequences for transmission and immune evasion.     

Pumpkin peroxisomal ascorbate peroxidase is localized on peroxisomal membranes and unknown membranous structures

To investigate the roles of peroxisomal membrane proteins in the reversible conversion of glyoxysomes to leaf peroxisomes, we characterized several membrane proteins of glyoxysomes. One of them was identified as an ascorbate peroxidase (pAPX) that is localized on glyoxysomal membranes. Its cDNA was isolated by immunoscreening. The deduced amino acid sequence encoded by the cDNA insert does not have a peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS), suggesting that pAPX is imported by one or more PTS-independent pathways. Subcellular fractionation of 3- and 5-d-old cotyledons of pumpkin revealed that pAPX was localized not only in the glyoxysomal fraction, but also in the ER fraction. A magnesium shift experiment showed that the density of pAPX in the ER fraction did not increase in the presence of Mg(2+), indicating that pAPX is not localized in the rough ER. Immunocytochemical analysis using a transgenic Arabidopsis which expressed pumpkin pAPX showed that pAPX was localized on peroxisomal membranes, and also on a unknown membranous structure in green cotyledons. The overall results suggested that pAPX is transported to glyoxysomal membranes via this unknown membranous structure.     

THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF DRY AND IMBIBED COTYLEDONS OF SOYBEAN

Ultrastructural observations of parenchyma cells of cotyledons of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) indicate that a 20-min period of imbibition brings about extensive changes in membranes and organelles. The plasma membrane, which in cells of dry seeds is disorganized and disrupted, becomes relatively intact and continuous. A network of endoplasmic reticulum vesicles and tubules, no evidence of which can be discerned in dry seeds, appears extensively dispersed through the cytoplasm and around the margin of protein bodies. Mitochondria in dry tissue are distorted in shape and nearly devoid of internal structure. In imbibed cells they are round or oval and are bound by an intact membrane enclosing numerous cristae and a dense stroma. Starch grains develop in proplastids. Circular or whorled membranous structures appear in the cytoplasm. The swiftness with which membranes and organelles are structurally altered during imbibition is a reflection of their effectiveness in rapidly modifying solute loss and solvent entry.     

Involvement of vesicle coat material in casein secretion and surface regeneration

The ultrastructure of the apical zone of lactating rat mammary epithelial cells was studied with emphasis on vesicle coat structures. Typical 40-60 nm ID "coated vesicles" were abundant, frequently associated with the internal filamentous plasma membrane coat or in direct continuity with secretory vesicles (SV) or plasma membrane proper. Bristle coats partially or totally covered membranes of secretory vesicles identified by their casein micelle content. This coat survived SV isolation. Exocytotic fusion of SV membranes and release of the casein micelles was observed. Frequently, regularly arranged bristle coat structures were identified in those regions of the plasma membrane that were involved in exocytotic processes. Both coated and uncoated surfaces of the casein-containing vesicles, as well as typical "coated vesicles", were frequently associated with microtubules and/or microfilaments. We suggest that coat materials of vesicles are related or identical to components of the internal coat of the surface membrane and that new plasma membrane and associated internal coat is produced concomitantly by fusion and integration of bristle coat moieties. Postexocytotic association of secreted casein micelles with the cell surface, mediated by finely filamentous extensions, provided a marker for the integrated vesicle membrane. An arrangement of SV with the inner surface of the plasma membrane is described which is characterized by regularly spaced, heabily stained membrane to membrane cross-bridges (pre-exocytotic attachment plaques). Such membrane-interconnecting elements may represent a form of coat structure important to recognition and interaction of membrane surfaces.     

Marker enzymes,phospholipids and acyl group composition of a somal plasma membrane fraction isolated from rat cerebral cortex: a comparison with microsomes and synaptic plasma membranes

Subjecting brain homogenates to differential speed and sucrose density gradient centrifugation resulted in the isolation of a membrane fraction from the post-mitochondrial supernatant with properties and marker enzyme profiles typical of plasma membranes. This membrane fraction is compared with the microsomes and the synaptic plasma membranes isolated from synaptosomes. Like the synaptic plasma membranes, membranes obtained from the post-mitochondrial supernatant were enriched five-fold in 5′-nucleotidase activity. However, the latter membranes were lower in (Na⁺, K⁺)-ATPase activity and higher in NADPH-cytochrome C reductase activity as compared to the synaptic plasma membranes. The post-mitochondrial plasma membranes were also different from the microsomes in their respective marker enzyme activities. Electron microscopic examination indicated largely membranous vesicles for both plasma membrane fractions with little contamination by myelin, mitochondra and intact synaptosomes. The phospholipid and acyl group profiles of the two plasma membrane fractions were surprisingly similar, but they were different from the characteristic profiles of myelin and mitochondria. It is concluded that plasma membranes isolated from the post-mitochondrial supernatant fraction are derived largely from neuronal and glial soma and are thus designated the somal plasma membrane fraction.