Significance of the cytoskeleton for cytoplasmic organization and cell organelle dynamics in epithelial cells of fresh-water sponges

Summary The cytoskeleton in epithelial cells ofSpongilla lacustris is constructed of microtubules radiating from the nuclear region and terminating at the cell periphery as well as microfilaments forming a cortical layer beneath the plasma membrane and distinct fibers in the cytoplasmic matrix. Single frame analysis and in vivo labeling of mitochondria with Rh 123, endosomes or lysosomes with TRITC-BSA, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with DiOC₆ (3) and dictyosomes with C₆-NBD-ceramide points to the microtubular system as a candidate for controlled cytoplasmic organization and active transport of these cell organelles. In epithelial cells with an intact microtubular system, mitochondria and endosomes or lysosomes show a regular shuttle movement between the nucleus and the cell periphery with a velocity of 1.3–1.4 m/s; the ER forms a more or less dynamic two-dimensional network in the entire cytoplasmic matrix, and dictyosomes are arranged in a ring-like manner around the nucleus. In epithelial cells treated with colchicine or colcemid, mitochondria and endosomes or lysosomes gather in the perinuclear region and become immobile; the ER accumulates near the cell center, whereas most dictyosomes distribute randomly over the whole cytoplasm. Transformation of the microfilament system with cytochalasin D has no influence on cell organelle distribution and dynamics but impedes cell locomotion and cell surface activities.Abbreviations BSA bovine serum albumin - C₆-NBD-ceramide 6-(N-7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl]amino)caproyl]sphingosine - DiOC₆(3) 3,3-dihydroxyloxacarbocyanine jodide - DMSO dimethylsulfoxide - EGTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid - GTX glycerol-Triton-X-100 - PBS phosphate buffered saline - PEG polyethylene glycol - PIPES 1,4-piperazine-N,N-bis-(2-ethanesulfomc) acid - Rh 123 rhodamine 123 - TRITC tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate