Abstract
Intermediate filaments (IF) constitute a major cytoplasmic filamentous network of higher eukaryotic cells that is distinct from actin and myosin microfilaments or microtubules. Although structurally similar, these filaments are formed by chemically and antigenically different proteins. Vimentin is the major IF polypeptide of mesenchymal cells and cultured non-mesenchymal cell lines1. Recently, we have characterized a monoclonal IgM antibody from a patient with Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia which is directed against vimentin2. Using this monoclonal antibody, we have shown by direct immunofluorescence that intermediate filaments of human B and T lymphocytes consist of vimentin. In cells exposed to colcemid, the intermediate filaments retracted into a juxta-nuclear aggregate (‘coil’) characteristic of vimentin filaments. As most components of the cytoskeleton, especially actin3 and myosin4, have been implicated in the capping phenomenon, we investigated the effect of capping of either β2-micro globulin or membrane immunoglobulins on the organization of the intermediate filament network. We report that capping of these surface molecules induced the redistribution of vimentin just beneath the cap. When colcemid-treated cells were allowed to cap, the location of the cap always coincided with the coil, suggesting that the anchorage point of intermediate filaments is situated within the uropod.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Rent or buy this article
Prices vary by article type
from$1.95
to$39.95
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Lazarides, E. Nature 283, 249–256 (1980).
Dellagi, K., Brouet, J. C. Perreau, J. & Paulin, D. Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 79, 446–450 (1982).
Gabbiani, G., Chaponnier, C., Zumbe, A. & Vassalli, P. Nature 269, 697–698 (1977).
Schreiner, G. F., Fumiwara, K., Pollard, T. D. & Unanue, E. R. J. exp. Med. 145, 1393–1398 (1977).
Unanue, E. R. & Karnovsky, M. J. J. exp. Med. 140, 1207–1220 (1974).
Schreiner, G. F. & Unanue, E. R. Adv. Immun. 24, 37–165 (1976).
Loor, F. Adv. Immun. 30, 1–120 (1980).
Bourguignon, L. Y. W., Nagpal, M. L. & Hsing, Y. C. J. Cell Biol. 91, 889–894 (1981).
Schliwa, M. & Van Blerkom, J. J. Cell Biol. 90, 222–235 (1981).
Daley, R. A. & Eckert, B. S. J. Cell Biol. 91, 239 (1981).
Braun, J. & Unanue, E. R. in B Lymphocytes in the Immune Response: Functional, Developmental, and Interactive Properties Vol. 15 (eds Klinman, N., Mosier, D. E., Scher, I. & Vitetta, E. S.) 169–175 (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1981).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dellagi, K., Brouet, JC. Redistribution of intermediate filaments during capping of lymphocyte surface molecules. Nature 298, 284–286 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1038/298284a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/298284a0
This article is cited by
-
Tenascin-C and alpha-smooth muscle actin positive cells are increased in the large airways in patients with COPD
Respiratory Research (2011)
-
Cytoskeletal polarity in mammalian lymphocytes in situ
Cell and Tissue Research (1987)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.