Relative distribution of myosin, actin, and alpha-actinin in adherent monocytes.
The characteristic amoeboid movement of human leucocytes uses mechanical energy derived from the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate through a mechanochemical system of the contractile proteins myosin, actin, and the actin-associated protein alpha-actinin. We observed the relative distribution of myosin, actin, and alpha-actinin in adherent monocytes during movement by a double-fluorescence staining procedure. The results indicate that myosin and alpha-actinin are closely associated with the actin cable network, and that alpha-actinin is in close association with the plasma membrane and anchors filamentous actin (F-actin) beneath the plasma membrane; F-actin and alpha-actinin play an important role at the leading edge during the formation of lamellipodia. These findings should be helpful in clarifying the mechanism of leucocyte movement from a morphologic standpoint.
Takubo
T
T
Department of Clinical and Laboratory Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Japan. m3542254@msic.med.osaka-cu.ac.jp
Hino
M
M
Suzuki
K
K
Tatsumi
N
N
D000185:Actinin / Q000378:metabolism*; D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D002465:Cell Movement; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D009000:Monocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009218:Myosins / Q000378:metabolism*
D000199:Actins; D000185:Actinin; D009218:Myosins