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- Title
Subcellular Centrin Localization within Distinct Compartments of Vorticella convallaria.
- Authors
Konior, Katarzyna; McCutcheon, Suzanne M.; Buhse Jr., Howard E.
- Abstract
The stalked ciliated protozoan, Vorticella convallaria, uses a mode of contraction that differs from most other eukaryotic motile systems. Because calcium alone induces this contraction, we have undertaken the molecular characterization of the calcium-binding proteins, centrins/spasmins, associated with the contractile organelles in this organism. Many species have evolved centrin/spasmin multi-gene families with the prediction of an increased range of functions among these organisms. To define these functions in V. convallaria, we have initiated immunolocalization studies at the light and the ultrastructural level utilizing anti-centrin and anti-stalk antibodies. We have localized these centrin/ spasmin antibodies to various contractile cytoskeletal structures within the cell and our transmission electron microscopy localization data indicate a further restriction to compartments within these organelles. The results obtained from this study allowed us to present a model in which we hypothesize the mechanism of contraction and relaxation in this ciliated protozoan and allows us to begin to dissect the function of this multi-gene family.
- Subjects
VORTICELLA; CONVALLARIA; CILIATA; PLANT organelles; CALCIUM-binding proteins; NANOFIBERS; PLANT stems; EUKARYOTIC cells; PARAMECIUM
- Publication
Transactions of the Illinois State Academy of Science, 2009, Vol 102, Issue 3/4, p161
- ISSN
0019-2252
- Publication type
Article