The distribution and localisation of acid trimetaphosphatase in developing heterophils and eosinophils in the bone marrow of the fowl and the duck

Summary The distribution and localisation of acid trimetaphosphatase was investigated in developing heterophils and eosinophils from fowl and duck. In the heterophils of both species, trimetaphosphatase activity progressively increased in concentration from a thin peripheral band in the round immature primary granules to a fairly dense uniform reaction product in most of the mature specific spindle-shaped granules. Fowl and duck primary eosinophil granules had a similar distribution of reaction product as heterophils. In duck specific eosinophil granules the crystalline interna or externa, or both regions, contained strong activity whereas in the fowl, the activity of the specific granules was strongly-uniform in appearance.     

The physical characteristics of anaerobic granular sludges in relation to their internal architecture

A range of granular sludges was taken from industrial anaerobic sludge blanket reactors treating a wide variety of wastewaters and a comparison was made between the polymers which were extractable from the granules and their internal structures. The study of the internal structure, using sequential staining of ultra-thin sections, showed the complexity of granular sludges. Much of the area was occupied by Gram-negative cells and the area which stained positive for protein was found to increase nearer the centre of the granules. This was accompanied by a decrease in the carbohydrate positive areas. Positive areas for lipid were widespread throughout the granules. Changes in the internal structure were observed when the type of wastewater treated by the granules was changed and a comparison between sludges treating the same type of wastewater showed that factors other than the nature of the substrate must be considered as parameters which will affect the structure of the granules. Although an appreciable variation in the granule strengths was noted, it was not possible to relate these differences, on an overall basis, to either the internal structure or the chemical composition of the extracted polymers. However, an examination of data for granules produced during the treatment of nominally similar wastes did suggest that there would be a relationship between polymer composition and granule strength in these cases.     

魔芋球茎贮藏淀粉和甘露聚糖粒的形态观察

在光学显微镜和透射电镜下观察了魔芋（Ａｍｏｒｐｈｏｐｈａｌｕｓｃｏｎｊａｃ）球茎中甘露聚糖粒和淀粉粒的形态。两种贮藏多糖分别位于不同的细胞中。淀粉粒在造粉体内发育,以复粒存在,用魔芋球茎仔茎茎尖为材料观察显示,淀粉粒的形成早于甘露聚糖颗粒的形成。甘露聚糖粒形态多数近随圆形,一些甘露聚糖颗粒内包含了针晶体,但多数的甘露聚糖粒内部不包含针晶体,由纯净的甘露聚糖构成。     

The lumenal domain of the integral membrane protein phogrin mediates targeting to secretory granules

Phogrin, a transmembrane glycoprotein of neuroendocrine cells, is localized to dense-core secretory granules. We have investigated the subcellular targeting of phogrin by analyzing the sorting of a series of deletion mutants to the regulated pathway of secretion in AtT20 cells. The lumenal domain as a soluble protein was efficiently routed to granules, based on a combination of morphological analysis and secretion studies. Sorting was not dependent on a candidate targeting signal consisting of an N-terminal conserved cysteine-rich motif. Both the pro-region and the lumenal domain of mature, post-translationally processed phogrin independently reached the granule, although the pro-region was sorted more efficiently. Once within the regulated secretory pathway, all phogrin lumenal domain proteins were stored in functional granules for extended periods of time. Thus, phogrin possesses several domains contributing to its targeting to the secretory granule. Our findings support a model of granule biogenesis where proteins are sorted on the basis of their biochemical properties rather than via signal-dependent binding to a targeting receptor. Sorting of integral membrane proteins mediated by the lumenal domain may ensure that functionally important transmembrane molecules are included in the forming granule.     

An age-related increase in resistance to DNA damage-induced apoptotic cell death is associated with development of DNA repair mechanisms

Neurons in the developing brain die via apoptosis after DNA damage, while neurons in the adult brain are generally resistant to these insults. The basis for this resistance is a matter of conjecture. We report here that cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) in culture lose their competence to die in response to DNA damage as a function of time in culture. CGNs at either 1 day in vitro (DIV) or 7 DIV were treated with the DNA damaging agents camptothecin, UV or gamma-irradiation and neuronal survival measured. The younger neurons were effectively killed by these agents, while the older neurons displayed a significant resistance to killing. Neuronal survival did not change with time in culture when cells were treated with C2-ceramide or staurosporine, agents which do not target DNA. The resistance to UV irradiation developed over time in culture and was not due to changes in mitotic rate. Increases in DNA strand breakage, up-regulation of the levels of both p53 and its phosphorylated form and nuclear translocation of p53 were equivalent in both older and younger neurons, indicating a comparable p53 stress response. In addition, we show that treatment of older neurons with pharmacological inhibitors of distinct components of the DNA repair machinery promotes the accumulation of DNA damage and sensitizes these cells to the toxic effects of UV exposure. These data demonstrate that older neurons appear to be more proficient in DNA repair in comparison to their younger counterparts, and that this leads to increased survival after DNA damage.     

Discovery and progress in our understanding of the regulated secretory pathway in neuroendocrine cells

In this review we start with a historical perspective beginning with the early morphological work done almost 50 years ago. The importance of these pioneering studies is underscored by our brief summary of the key questions addressed by subsequent research into the mechanism of secretion. We then highlight important advances in our understanding of the formation and maturation of neuroendocrine secretory granules, first using in vitro reconstitution systems, then most recently biochemical approaches, and finally genetic manipulations in vitro and in vivo. This work was supported by Fondation pour la Reserche Medicale (FRM 20051105487) and Cancer Research UK.     

灌溉与旱作条件下源库关系对小麦籽粒淀粉粒度分布的调节效应

在灌溉和旱作两种栽培条件下,研究了源库关系对小麦籽粒淀粉粒度分布特征的影响.结果表明,山农8355(大穗型)各处理A型淀粉粒体积分布、表面积分布百分比成熟期较灌浆中期明显提高,灌溉栽培条件下增幅分别在17.65%～22.88%、35.8%～39.05%,旱作栽培条件下增幅分别在1.46%～2.82%、7.05%～8.12%;山农8355各处理B型淀粉粒体积分布、表面积分布百分比成熟期较灌浆中期明显降低,灌溉栽培条件下降幅分别在34.78%～40.47%、11.73%～13.77%,旱作栽培条件下降幅分别在5.08%～7.67%、2.52%～3.43%.济南17(多穗型)各处理下成熟期与灌浆中期的A、B淀粉粒体积分布、表面积分布百分比,其变化趋势与山农8355相同,其中A型淀粉粒灌溉栽培条件下增幅分别在1.56%～5.98%、2.96%～9.92%,旱作栽培条件下增幅分别在1.76%～4.52%、1.28%～8.63%;B型淀粉粒灌溉栽培条件下降幅分别在3.46%～12.27%、1 02%～4.18%,旱作栽培条件下增幅分别在5.31%～9.87%、0.58%～3.13%.在灌溉和旱作栽培条件下源库调节对两品种A、B型淀粉粒粒度分布的影响趋势表现为,减源处理A型淀粉粒较同期同品种对照处理的体积分布、表面积分布百分比显著提高,减库处理较同期同品种对照处理显著降低,B型淀粉粒粒度分布变化趋势则与之相反.     

The phenotype of soluble starch synthase IV defective mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana suggests a novel function of elongation enzymes in the control of starch granule formation

All plants and green algae synthesize starch through the action of the same five classes of elongation enzymes: the starch synthases. Arabidopsis mutants defective for the synthesis of the soluble starch synthase IV (SSIV) type of elongation enzyme have now been characterized. The mutant plants displayed a severe growth defect but nonetheless accumulated near to normal levels of polysaccharide storage. Detailed structural analysis has failed to yield any change in starch granule structure. However, the number of granules per plastid has dramatically decreased leading to a large increase in their size. These results, which distinguish the SSIV mutants from all other mutants reported to date, suggest a specific function of this enzyme class in the control of granule numbers. We speculate therefore that SSIV could be selectively involved in the priming of starch granule formation.     

Freeze-fracture study of the rat parathyroid gland under hypo- and hypercalcemic conditions,with special reference to secretory granules

Summary Freeze-fracture images of the parenchymal cells in the parathyroid gland of rats were observed after vitamin D₂ plus calcium chloride-suppression and EGTA-activation of secretion. In cells of the suppressed glands, large bulges protruded from the Golgi cisternae, and large granules with a stalk, which are identified as storage granules, suggest that, during maturation, some storage granules may be connected by long tubules with the Golgi cisternae and supplied with secretory products from the Golgi cisternae via these tubules.In the activated glands, presumptive exocytotic and endocytotic specializations of intramembranous particles of the parenchymal cell plasma membrane were frequently observed. In addition, elevations and complementary shallow depressions of various shape and extent were occasionally encountered in the intercellular space. From their morphological characteristics it was concluded that these originated from secretory granule cores, which are discharged from the parenchymal cells into the intercellular space by exocytosis, and it was suggested that discharged granule cores may retain their spherical shape until they fuse to form a flat conglomerate.     

Evidence that the ability to respond to a calcium stimulus in exocytosis is determined by the secretory granule membrane: Comparison of exocytosis of injected bovine chromaffin granule membranes and endogenous cortical granules inXenopus laevis oocytes

Summary 1. To understand better the mechanisms which govern the sensitivity of secretory vesicles to a calcium stimulus, we compared the abilities of injected chromaffin granule membranes and of endogenous cortical granules to undergo exocytosis inXenopus laevis oocytes and eggs in response to cytosolic Ca²⁺. Exocytosis of chromaffin granule membranes was detected by the appearance of dopamine--hydroxylase of the chromaffin granule membrane in the oocyte or egg plasma membrane. Cortical granule exocytosis was detected by release of cortical granule lectin, a soluble constituent of cortical granules, from individual cells.2. Injected chromaffin granule membranes undergo exocytosis equally well in frog oocytes and eggs in response to a rise in cytosolic Ca²⁺ induced by incubation with ionomycin.3. Elevated Ca²⁺ triggered cortical granule exocytosis in eggs but not in oocytes.4. Injected chromaffin granule membranes do not contribute factors to the oocyte that allow calcium-dependent exocytosis of the endogenous cortical granules.5. Protein kinase C activation by phorbol esters stimulates cortical granule exocytosis in bothXenopus laevis oocytes andX. laevis eggs (Bement, W. M., and Capco, D. G.,J. Cell Biol. 108, 885–892, 1989). Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol ester also stimulated chromaffin granule membrane exocytosis in oocytes, indicating that although cortical granules and chromaffin granule membranes differ in calcium responsiveness, PKC activation is an effective secretory stimulus for both.6. These results suggest that structural or biochemical characteristics of the chromaffin granule membrane result in its ability to respond to a Ca²⁺ stimulus. In the oocytes, cortical granule components necessary for Ca²⁺-dependent exocytosis may be missing, nonfunctional, or unable to couple to the Ca²⁺ stimulus and downstream events.     

大豆根瘤中多磷酸盐积累的特征

我们用透射电镜观察了丰收11号大豆根瘤中多磷酸盐颗粒的形态结构、分布规律以及与根瘤菌发育的关系。观察表明,它是一种电子密度很高的圆形颗粒,其直径在110—140nm之间。表面圆整,没有膜包围,内部质地均匀而致密。它只存在于根瘤菌的DHA纤维上,而不存在于胞质中。在刚从侵入线释放出来的根瘤菌中没有或只有很少这种颗粒,但在即将成熟的根瘤菌中却非常丰富,随后又逐渐减少,乃至完全消失。由此可见,根瘤中多磷酸盐的积累与根瘤菌的生长发育有关。     

Ultrastructural study of periodic lamellar granules in human neutrophils

Granules consisting of periodically arranged membranous lamellae and amorphous electron-opaque material, i.e., periodic lamellar granules, are present in human neutrophils. To date, no extensive ultrastructural studies have been carried out on these granules because of their infrequent presence in neutrophils. The bone marrow of 18 cases of chronic myeloproliferative disorders, including one case of chronic neutrophilic leukemia in which periodic lamellar granules were frequently seen in neutrophils, was investigated by electron microscopy. Periodic lamellar granules were seen in neutrophils in 12 of the 18 cases at varying frequencies. They were preferentially seen in immature neutrophils. The transverse profiles of these granules revealed concentric complete/incomplete rings or periodic parallel straight lines, i.e., various patterns of lamellar arrangement were present. Periodic lamellar granules were positive for myeloperoxidase and lysozyme at the electron-microscopic level. These results suggest that these granules represent a primary neutrophil granule subtype. However, their functional and pathologic significance remains unknown.     

小麦花后弱光引起籽粒淀粉的粒度分布及组分含量的变化

在籽粒灌浆阶段(花后1～30 d)对小麦进行光强为自然光照45%的弱光处理,研究了小麦籽粒淀粉粒度分布和组分含量的变化.结果表明,小麦籽粒淀粉粒体积分布呈双峰曲线,峰值分别在5.1～6.1 μm和20.7～24.9 μm,两峰值间的低谷出现在9.9 μm左右.表面积分布和数目分布分别表现为双峰和单峰曲线.小麦花后弱光显著降低2.8～9.9 μm淀粉粒体积百分比,增加22.8～42.8 μm淀粉粒体积百分比.同时花后弱光显著降低<0.8 μm和2.8～9.8 μm淀粉粒表面积百分比,增加0.8～2.8 μm和>9.9 μm淀粉粒表面积百分比.可见灌浆期弱光显著降低籽粒B型(＜9.9 μm)淀粉粒体积和表面积百分比,而A型(＞9.9 μm)淀粉粒比例相对增加.与A型淀粉粒相比,B型淀粉粒对弱光的反映更敏感.小麦弱光处理籽粒淀粉及其组分含量显著低于对照,但其直/支比较对照高.相关分析表明,籽粒直/支比与2.8～9.9 μm淀粉粒体积百分比呈显著负相关,而与22.8～42.8 μm淀粉粒体积百分比呈显著正相关.花后不同阶段弱光显著增加A型淀粉粒体积百分比、降低B型淀粉粒体积百分比,其中灌浆中、后期弱光影响程度较前期大.表明,弱光条件下小麦籽粒淀粉合成底物优先供应淀粉粒的生长,而非形成更多的淀粉粒.     

UBAP2L Forms Distinct Cores that Act in Nucleating Stress Granules Upstream of G3BP1

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Localization and functional role of a 41 kDa collagenase/gelatinase activity expressed in the sea urchin embryo

The egg storage compartment of the sea urchin embryo was investigated for a protein destined for export to the extracellular matrices. Using an antiserum prepared against a 41 kDa collagenase/gelatinase localized to the extraembryonic matrices (the hyaline layer and basal lamina), the egg storage compartment was mapped for this antigen. Indirect immunofluorescence analysis revealed the 41 kDa collagenase/gelatinase in the cortical granules as well as a second compartment which was dispersed throughout the egg cytoplasm. High resolution immunogold labeling defined this cytoplasmic compartment as the yolk granule organelle. Gelatin substrate gel zymography revealed the presence of a 41 kDa gelatin cleavage activity in purified yolk granules. These results suggest a role for yolk granules in regulated protein export and challenge the traditional view of this organelle as a benign storage compartment for nutrients. In additional experiments, embryos grown in the presence of the 41 kDa cleavage activity or the anti-41 kDa antiserum had severely delayed gut formation and spicule elongation. These results demonstrate a requirement for defined levels of the 41 kDa activity in the extracellular matrices of the developing embryo.     

Mechanism of calcium accumulation in acetate-fed aerobic granule

High calcium content has been widely reported in acetate-fed aerobic granules, but the reason behind this is unclear yet. By SEM–energy dispersive X-ray mapping analysis, this study showed that the majority of calcium was presented in the central part of the acetate-fed aerobic granule, and the granule shell part was nearly calcium-free. The elemental analysis of calcium ions coupled with the chemical titration of carbonate further revealed that the calcium ions that accumulated in the acetate-fed aerobic granule mainly existed in the form of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). The formation of the CaCO₃ appeared to be highly dependent on the size of the aerobic granule, i.e., the CaCO₃ precipitation was found only in aerobic granules with radiuses larger than 0.5 mm. These experimental observations with regard to the formation of CaCO₃ in the acetate-fed aerobic granule were further confirmed by the model simulation, which was based on the principles of mass diffusion and carbonate dissociation in liquid phase. This study for the first time showed that the size of the acetate-fed aerobic granule would indeed play an essential role in the CaCO₃ formation, and provided experimental evidence that a crystal CaCO₃ core was not necessarily required for granulation.     

HPLC法测定感冒退热颗粒中连翘苷的含量

采用DiamonsiltmC18(4 6mm× 2 5 0mm ,5 μm)色谱柱 ;以乙腈 水 (2 0∶80 )为流动相 ,流速为 1mL/min ,柱温为 30℃ ,检测波长为 2 77nm ,以外标法用HPLC测定了感冒退热颗粒中连翘苷的含量。连翘苷在0 10 2 9～ 1 6 4 6 4 μg范围内呈线性关系 ,其在制剂中的平均回收率 (n =6 )为 99 5 5 %。     

Functional role of a high mol mass protein complex in the sea urchin yolk granule

We have investigated the biochemical and functional characteristics of the major protein constituents of the yolk granule organelle present in sea urchin eggs and embryos. Compositional analysis, using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, revealed distinctly different polypeptide patterns under reducing and non-reducing conditions. In the presence of reducing agent, a 240 kDa species dissociated into polypeptides of apparent mol mass 160, 120 and 90 k. The relatedness of these polypeptides to the 240 kDa species was demonstrated in protein gel blot and peptide mapping analyses. The profile of yolk granule polypeptides was dynamic during embryonic development with the disappearance of the 160 kDa species and the coincidental appearance of lower mol mass polypeptides. However, the 240 kDa complex was detected even after the disappearance of the 160 kDa polypeptide. The 240 kDa complex was released from yolk granules in the absence of calcium and the purified species was shown to bind liposomes in a calcium-dependent manner. In addition, the 240 kDa complex possessed a calcium-dependent, liposome aggregating activity. The 240 kDa species could also induce the aggregation of yolk granules, previously denuded of the complex following treatment with either ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or trypsin. Collectively, these results demonstrate the dynamic characteristics of the yolk granule 240 kDa protein complex and offer insights into a possible functional role.     

Myosin II activity regulates neurite outgrowth and guidance in response to chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are major components of the extracellular matrix in the CNS that inhibit axonal regeneration after CNS injury. Signaling pathways in neurons triggered by CSPGs are still largely unknown. In this study, using well-characterized in vitro assays for neurite outgrowth and neurite guidance, we demonstrate a major role for myosin II in the response of neurons to CSPGs. We found that the phosphorylation of myosin II regulatory light chains is increased by CSPGs. Specific inhibition of myosin II activity with blebbistatin allows growing neurites to cross onto CSPG-rich areas and increases the length of neurites of neurons growing on CSPGs. Using specific gene knockdown, we demonstrate selective roles for myosin IIA and IIB in these processes. Time lapse microscopy and immunocytochemistry demonstrated that CSPGs also inhibit cell adhesion and cell spreading. Inhibition of myosin II selectively accelerated neurite initiation without altering cell adhesion and spreading on CSPGs.     

Interaction of antimycin with cytochrome b-561: A study in secretory granules and in plasma membrane isolated from chromaffin cells of bovine adrenal medulla

Cytochrome b-561 in chromaffin granules interacts with antimycin and its -peak shifts 1 nm towards red. When chromaffin granules were treated with Triton X-100 antimycin no effect was observed. Cytochrome b-561 is located in the plasma membrane isolated from the chromaffin cells. The plasma membrane b-561 does not seem to interact with antimycin. A number of NADH or NADPH (acceptor) oxidoreductase activity has been observed in isolated plasma membrane providing clues to the origin of plasma membrane dehydrogenase. The possible role of cytochrome b561 in secretory granules other than its accredited energy conserving electron transport property is projected.