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Dictyostelium amoebae that lack G-actin-sequestering profilins show defects in F-actin content, cytokinesis, and development

Haugwitz, M.; Noegel, A.A.; Karakesisoglou, J.; Schleicher, M.

Authors

M. Haugwitz

A.A. Noegel

M. Schleicher



Abstract

To study in vivo functions of the ubiquitous actin-binding protein profilin, we generated by antisense and gene disruption techniques Dictyostelium mutants that lack one or both of the profilin isoforms. Whereas the single mutants showed an essentially unchanged phenotype, the behavior of the double mutant was drastically altered. Motility was significantly reduced, single cells were up to 10 times larger than wild-type cells and showed a broad rim of filamentous actin below the plasma membrane, the filamentous actin concentration was increased by about 60%-70%, and development was blocked prior to fruiting body formation. Furthermore, double mutants could not be grown in shaking culture under normal conditions, reflecting an impaired cytokinesis. The aberrant phenotype could be rescued by reintroducing a functional profilin I or profilin II gene. The data in this study suggest that profilin functions in Dictyostelium amoebae primarily as an actin-sequestering protein.

Citation

Haugwitz, M., Noegel, A., Karakesisoglou, J., & Schleicher, M. (1994). Dictyostelium amoebae that lack G-actin-sequestering profilins show defects in F-actin content, cytokinesis, and development. Cell, 79(2), 303-14

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date 1994
Journal Cell
Print ISSN 0092-8674
Electronic ISSN 1097-4172
Publisher Elsevier
Volume 79
Issue 2
Pages 303-14
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1549395
Publisher URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=7954798