Interaction of antibodies against nuclear envelope-associated proteins from rat liver nuclei with rodent and human cells

Antibodies have been prepared against the three major polypeptides of the nuclear pore complex-lamina fraction from rat liver nuclei. The three antisera prepared in chickens give similar results in indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. In rat embryo fibroblasts we observe bright fluorescence at the level of the nuclear envelope, with no fluorescence of the nuclear interior and little or no fluorescence of the cytoplasm. The nuclear envelope regions of rat hepatoma cells, mouse A9 cells, HeLa cells and rat liver nuclei also fluoresce brightly. HeLa nucleoids, which are depleted of nuclear envelope components, still exhibit specific fluorescence when reacted with these antibodies. Distribution of the antigens changes during mitosis. Fluorescence in the cytoplasm is observed following the breakdown of the nuclear envelope at prometaphase. The antigens appear to progressively accumulate at the periphery of the chromosomes until telophase. In late telophase fluorescence occurs predominantly at the periphery of the chromosomes where the new nuclear envelope is formed.     

The GTPase Ran regulates chromosome positioning and nuclear envelope assembly in vivo

The GTPase Ran is known to regulate transport of proteins across the nuclear envelope. Recently, Ran has been shown to promote microtubule polymerization and spindle assembly around chromatin in Xenopus mitotic extracts and to stimulate nuclear envelope assembly in Xenopus or HeLa cell extracts. However, these in vitro findings have not been tested in living cells and do not necessarily describe the generalized model of Ran functions. Here we present several lines of evidence that Ran is indispensable for correct chromosome positioning and nuclear envelope assembly in C. elegans. Embryos deprived of Ran by RNAi showed metaphase chromosome misalignment and aberrant chromosome segregation, while astral microtubules seemed unaffected. Depletion of RCC1 or RanGAP by RNAi resulted in essentially the same defects. The immunofluorescent staining showed that Ran localizes to kinetochore regions of metaphase and anaphase chromosomes, suggesting the role of Ran in linking chromosomes to kinetochore microtubules. Ran was shown to localize to the nuclear envelope at telophase and during interphase in early embryos, and the depletion of Ran resulted in failure of nuclear envelope assembly. Thus, Ran is crucially involved in chromosome positioning and nuclear envelope assembly in C. elegans.     

THE RABBIT ZYGOTE : III. Formation of the Blastomere Nucleus

The formation of the blastomere nucleus was examined in the rabbit zygote with the electron microscope. In late anaphase the chromosomes are bare and vesicles of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum are numerous in the vicinity of the chromosomes. In early telophase individual chromosomes attain their own nuclear envelope and they are called karyomeres. The envelope of the karyomeres contains small gaps within it at several places where the chromatin is exposed to the cytoplasm. Nuclear pores are also observed. In the cytoplasm short annulate lamellae appear adjacent to the karyomeres, and clusters of punctate substance are also present. From early telophase onward the karyomeres extend pseudopod-like structures, called karyopods, which extend toward other karyomeres or karyopods, and consequently fuse together and serve as chromosomal bridges. Eventually all of the karyomeres fuse into a dense nucleus and decondensation of the chromosomes occurs.     

A cell free system to study reassembly of the nuclear envelope at the end of mitosis

We described a cell free system involving total homogenates of metaphase CHO cells, which yields telophase-like assembly of nuclear envelopes around mitotic chromosomes. During formation of the nuclear envelope in vitro, the three major lamina polypeptides (lamins A, B, and C) assemble around chromosomes and become dephosphorylated, similar to their behavior in vivo during telophase. Nuclear lamina and envelope assembly apparently do not require free ATP and are strongly inhibited by gamma-S-ATP, supporting the notion that these processes are regulated by protein dephosphorylation. Immunological depletion of disassembled lamins from the initial assembly system results in strong inhibition of subsequent nuclear envelope assembly, directly demonstrating that the lamins are involved in this process.     

Electron microscopical observations on nuclear division inMicrasterias americana

Each stage of nuclear division inMicrasterias americana was investigated by electron microscopy. Some chromosomes in metaphase had two or more centromeres on them, that is, they were polycentric. The centromere was roundish, moderately dense, and partially embedded in the chromosomes. Many microtubules of the spindle fibers were attached to the centromere. Abundant granules of high electron density, derived from dictyosomes in the cytoplasm, were seen in the metaphase spindle. Only the chromosomes moved towards the poles in anaphase, while these granules remained at the equatorial plate. Many nucleoli appeared in early telophase in one or more regions in almost all chromosomes. These nucleoli fused and enlarged during telophase.     

Kid-mediated chromosome compaction ensures proper nuclear envelope formation

Toward the end of mitosis, neighboring chromosomes gather closely to form a compact cluster. This is important for reassembling the nuclear envelope around the entire chromosome mass but not individual chromosomes. By analyzing mice and cultured cells lacking the expression of chromokinesin Kid/kinesin-10, we show that Kid localizes to the boundaries of anaphase and telophase chromosomes and contributes to the shortening of the anaphase chromosome mass along the spindle axis. Loss of Kid-mediated anaphase chromosome compaction often causes the formation of multinucleated cells, specifically at oocyte meiosis II and the first couple of mitoses leading to embryonic death. In contrast, neither male meiosis nor somatic mitosis after the morula-stage is affected by Kid deficiency. These data suggest that Kid-mediated anaphase/telophase chromosome compaction prevents formation of multinucleated cells. This protection is especially important during the very early stages of development, when the embryonic cells are rich in ooplasm.     

Features of interactions of p68 anchorosomal protein with the nuclear envelope in the cell cycle

Chromatin associated with the nuclear envelope appears in the interphase nuclei as a layer of anchorosomes, granules 20-25 nm in diameter. The fraction of chromatin directly associated with the nuclear envelope is resistant to decondensation, shows a low level of DNA methylation, and contains specific acid-soluble proteins. However, mechanisms underlying the interaction of chromatin with the nuclear envelope are not fully understood. Specifically, it is not known whether anchorosomes are permanent structures or if they undergo reversible disassembly during mitosis, when contacts between chromatin and the nuclear envelope are destroyed. We obtained immune serum recognizing a 68 kDa protein from the nuclear envelopes fraction and studied the localization of this protein in interphase and mitotic cells. We show that this protein present in the NE/anchorosomal fraction does not remain bound with chromosomes during mitosis. It dissociates from chromosomes at the beginning of the prophase and then can be identified again at the periphery of the newly forming nuclei in the telophase.     

The proliferating cell marker monoclonal antibody Ki-67 recognizes specific antigens associated with the nuclear envelope of the early Drosophila embryo

Summary— Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy indicated that the antibody raised against the nuclear antigen Ki-67 of mammalian cells recognized antigenic determinants of early Drosophila embryos, localized on the outside of the nuclear envelope. Hence, the nuclear envelope of Drosophila appears to share a similar epitope with the chromosome scaffold of mitotic mammalian cells. With the progression of mitosis the antigen persisted around the mitotic spindle region and was also found in the pole regions at metaphase and anaphase. The antibody also stained the equatorial regions of the spindles from anaphase to late telophase. The antibody may therefore be used as a biochemical marker of the nuclear envelope for studying nuclear membrane biogenesis and behavior during the mitotic divisions of the Drosophila embryo.     

Ultrastructure of Chilomonas paramecium and the phylogeny of the cryptoprotists

The ultrastructure of the cryptoprotist Chilomonas paramecium is reviewed and compared to earlier accounts. Distinctive features include a complex cytoskeleton which defines the cell organization and interconnects cell components; trichocysts which resemble those in other cryptoprotists; and two non-photosynthetic plastids. During mitosis there is partial dispersal of the nuclear envelope early in prophase but some remains at the nuclear periphery throughout mitosis. At metaphase chromosomes are arranged on the longitudinal axis of an elongated elliptical nucleus. During telophase the chromosomes decondense and the nuclear envelope reforms. Cell structure is compared with that in other cryptoprotists, and origin of this taxon of algae is discussed.     

Closed spindle nuclear division in the plasmodial phase of the acellular slime moldEchinostelium minutum

Summary Mitosis in the plasmodium ofEchinostelium minutum is intranuclear (closed spindle) and centrioles are not present at the spindle poles. The nuclear envelope remains essentially intact throughout mitosis with polar fenestrae appearing in anaphase and persisting through telophase. During anaphase there is a shortening in the distance of the chromosomes to the poles followed by a further separation of the poles. Zippering of microtubules may be the basis for these two anaphasic movements. During telophase the polar MTOCs are extruded into the cytoplasm through the polar fenestrae prior to reconstitution of the nuclear envelope. It is proposed that during sporulation such MTOCs are responsible for the differentiation of the centrioles which subsequently persist in the myxamoebal phase of this species.Based on the doctoral dissertation of the first author presented to the Department of Botany, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A.     

Open spindle nuclear division in the amoebal phase of the acellular slime moldEchinostelium minutum with chromosomal movement related to the pronounced rearrangement of spindle microtubules

Summary Myxamoebae ofEchinostelium minutum exhibit extranuclear (open spindle) mitosis with centrioles present at the poles. Spindle microtubules are formed in association with a juxtanuclear MTOC which surrounds the cell's complement of centrioles. During late prophase or prometaphase the nuclear envelope breaks down and subsequently a metaphase plate is formed. Two anaphasic movements occur sequentially: firstly, the distance of the chromosomes to the poles shortens; secondly the distance between the spindle poles increases. The arrangement of spindle microtubules during anaphase is consistent with the hypothesis that chromosomal separation is due to lateral interaction (zippering) of microtubules. During telophase, reconstitution of the nuclear envelope usually takes place in the interzonal region prior to reformation in the polar region. Cytokinesis, which begins in anaphase or early telophase involves the participation of vesicles, microfilaments and microtubules.Based on the doctoral dissertation of the first author presented to the Department of Botany, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A.     

Demonstration of membranous patches on isolated chromosomes

High resolution scanning electron microscopy of isolated Chinese hamster ovary metaphase chromosomes revealed “membranous patches” at telomeric and juxtatelomeric regions of the chromosomes. The “membranous patches” remained bound to the chromosomes during centrifugation through dense sucrose, but not after treatment with detergents. These membrane fragments on isolated purified chromosomes may represent a component that binds the chromosome to the inner portion of the nuclear envelope up to late stages of prophase. These chromosome associated membranous patches may represent sites of reformation of the nuclear envelope at telophase.     

Early localization of NPA58, a rat nuclear pore-associated protein, to the reforming nuclear envelope during mitosis

We have studied the mitotic reassembly of the nuclear envelope, using antibodies to nuclear marker proteins and NPA58 in F-111 rat fibroblast cells. In earlier studies we have proposed that NPA58, a 58 kDa rat nuclear protein, is involved in nuclear protein import. In this report, NPA58 is shown to be localized on the cytoplasmic face of the envelope in interphase cells, in close association with nuclear pores. In mitotic cells NPA58 is dispersed in the cytoplasm till anaphase. The targeting of NPA58 to the reforming nuclear envelope in early telophase coincides with the recruitment of a well-characterized class of nuclear pore proteins recognized by the antibody mAb 414, and occurs prior to the incorporation of lamin B1 into the envelope. Significant protein import activity is detectable only after localization of NPA58 in the newly-formed envelope. The early targeting of NPA58 is consistent with its proposed role in nuclear transport.     

Electron-microscopic study of the nuclear membrane of the PKEV cells during mitosis. 1. The breakdown of the nuclear membrane (prophase, prometaphase, metaphase)]

An ultrastructural study on dividing PKEV cells provided a possibility to distinguish between certain stages of their desintegration. The changes preceding fragmentation of the nuclear envelope commence with desorganization of its structural components: vanishing of granular peripherial chromatin layer; appearance of the pores without central granules; formation of deep invaginations of the nuclear membranes. The desintegration of the nuclear envelope starts from the disapearance of many pores and the appearance of perforations almost of the same size. Simultaneously, the number of polysomes is reduced on the outer membrane of the nuclear envelope and in the cytoplasm. Specific features of the nuclear envelope being lost it becomes undistinguishable from the reticulum elements. On serial sections, no contacts were observed between chromosomes and membranous elements.     

The chromosome periphery during mitosis

A complex structure, visible by electron microscopy, surrounds each chromosome during mitosis. The organization of this structure is distinct from that of the chromosomes and the cytoplasm. It forms a perichromosomal layer that can be isolated together with the chromosomes. This layer covers the chromosomes except in centromeric regions. The perichromosomal layer includes nuclear and nucleolar proteins as well as ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). The list of proteins and RNAs identified includes nuclear matrix proteins (perichromin, peripherin), nucleolar proteins (perichro-monucleolin, Ki-67 antigen, B23 protein, fibrillarin, p103, p52), ribosomal proteins (S1) and snRNAs (U3 RNAs). Only limited information is available about how and when the perichromosomal layer is formed. During early prophase, the proteins extend from the nucleoli towards the periphery of the nucleus. Thin cordon-like structures reach the nuclear envelope delimiting areas in which chromosomes condense. At telophase, the proteins are associated with the part of the chromosomes remaining condensed and accumulate in newly formed nucleoli in regions where chromatin is already decondensed. The perichromosomal layer contains several different classes of proteins and RNPs and it has been attributed various roles: (1) in chromosome organization, (2) as a barrier around the chromosomes, (3) involvement in compartmentation of the cells in prophase and telophase and (4) a binding site for chromosomal passenger proteins necessary to the early process of nuclear assembly.     

Small nuclear RNA localization during mitosis. An electron microscope study

The localization of small nuclear ribonucleic acids (snRNAs) during mitosis in Amoeba proteus was studied by high voltage (1,000 kV) electron microscope autoradiography. By suitable micromanipulations, the snRNA's, labeled with [3H]uridine, were made to be the only radioactive molecules in the cell and thus easy to follow autoradiographically. During interphase the snRNA label, which is almost exclusively nuclear, is distributed fairly uniformly through the nucleus with a slightly higher amount of label over chromatin than over nonchromatin areas. During prophase the snRNAs, which continue to be largely nuclear, become highly concentrated in the condensing chromosomes. At metapase, almost all of the snRNAs are cytoplasmic and essentially none are associated with the maximally condensed chromatin. Beginning in early anaphase, the snRNAs resume their association with the chromosomes, with the degree of association increasing throughout anaphase. Most of the snRNAs are back in the nuclei by telophase, but the intranuclear localization is hard to determine. We conclude that snRNAs have a great affinity for the partially condensed chromosomes of prophase and anaphase, but none for the maximally condensed chromosomes of metaphase. A minor amount of snRNA localizations in association with nucleoli and the nuclear envelope are also reported. On the basis of these findings a role of snRNAs in genetic "reprogramming" or chromosome organization is proposed.     

A Highlights from MBoC Selection: Aurora B–mediated localized delays in nuclear envelope formation facilitate inclusion of late-segregating chromosome fragments

To determine how chromosome segregation is coordinated with nuclear envelope formation (NEF), we examined the dynamics of NEF in the presence of lagging acentric chromosomes in Drosophila neuroblasts. Acentric chromosomes often exhibit delayed but ultimately successful segregation and incorporation into daughter nuclei. However, it is unknown whether these late-segregating acentric fragments influence NEF to ensure their inclusion in daughter nuclei. Through live analysis, we show that acentric chromosomes induce highly localized delays in the reassembly of the nuclear envelope. These delays result in a gap in the nuclear envelope that facilitates the inclusion of lagging acentrics into telophase daughter nuclei. Localized delays of nuclear envelope reassembly require Aurora B kinase activity. In cells with reduced Aurora B activity, there is a decrease in the frequency of local nuclear envelope reassembly delays, resulting in an increase in the frequency of acentric-bearing, lamin-coated micronuclei. These studies reveal a novel role of Aurora B in maintaining genomic integrity by promoting the formation of a passageway in the nuclear envelope through which late-segregating acentric chromosomes enter the telophase daughter nucleus.     

Redistribution of nuclear lamins in mitotic cells

The nuclear lamins are directed from the cytoplasm to chromosomes as part of the maturation pathway of the interphase nucleoskeleton. In mitosis, the three polypeptides lamin A, B and C were found in the cytoplasm from prophase until anaphase and shifted to chromosomal surfaces at telophase (Ely, D'Arcy and Jost, 1978; Gerace, Blum and Blobel, 1978). We show here that early events in nucleoskeleton formation could be regulated by extracellular pH. When exponentially growing tissue culture cells and cells arrested in mitosis were exposed to different extracellular pH values, three patterns of distribution of lamins were observed in mitotic cells: exclusively cytoplasmic distribution of mitotic lamins at low pH (6.8 to 7.3); a premature association of a lamin subfraction with metaphase chromosomes at intermediate pH 7.5; a more prominent relocation of lamins onto chromosomes in metaphase and in disorganized metaphase at pH 8.0. Reassembly of lamins occurred at telomeric ends of mitotic chromosomes followed by a lateral fusion to form a nuclear cage. Using immunogold localization, we show that pH-induced, premature, partial deposition of lamins onto condensed chromosomes may occur prior to the formation of the bilamellar nuclear envelope. These results suggest that the pH-induced redistribution of lamins acts to trigger early events of mitosis to interphase transition.     

Systemic reorganization of the architechtonics of polytene chromosomes in onto- and phylogenesis of malaria mosquitoes. Structural features regional of chromosomal adhesion to the nuclear membrane

Principles of organization of chromocenter in salivary gland cells and zones of chromosome attachment to nuclear envelope in ovarian nurse cells were determined. It was shown that blocks of centromeric heterochromatin (alfa-heterochromatin) have no direct connection with nuclear envelope. Such connections are ensured by beta-heterochromatin. Homologous chromosome regions were shown to be of different morphology and nature of chromosome-membrane links in different mosquito species. A map of polytene chromosomes of ovarian nurse cells in Anopheles messeae Fall, was established. No differences were found in band quantity of these chromosomes as compared to salivary gland chromosomes.     

CELL DIVISION IN SPIROGYRA. I. MITOSIS

Dividing cells of Spirogyra sp. were examined with both the light and electron microscopes. By preprophase many of the typical transverse wall micro-tubules disappeared while others were seen in the thickened cytoplasmic strands. Microtubules appeared in the polar cytoplasm at prophase and by prometaphase they penetrated the nucleus. They were attached to chromosomes at metaphase and early anaphase, and formed a sheath surrounding the spindle during anaphase; they were seen in the interzonal strands and cytoplasmic strands at telophase. The interphase nucleolus, containing 2 distinct zones and chromatinlike material, fragmented at prophase; at metaphase and anaphase nucleolar material coated the chromosomes, obscuring them by late anaphase. The chromosomes condensed in the nucleoplasm at prophase, moving into the nucleolus at prometaphase. The nuclear envelope was finally disrupted at anaphase during spindle elongation; at telophase membrane profiles coated the reforming nuclei. During anaphase and early telophase the interzonal region contained vacuoles, a few micro-tubules, and sometimes eliminated n ucleolar material; most small organelles, including swollen endoplasmic reticulum and tubular membranes, were concentrated in the polar cytoplasm. Quantitative and qualitative cytological observations strongly suggest movement of intact wall rnicrotubules to the spindle at preprophase and then back again at telophase.