目的:研究幽门螺杆菌(Helicobacter pylori,H.pylori)感染对人血清及胃组织核组蛋白2(nucleobindin 2,NUCB2)/nesfatin-1表达的影响.方法:收集行胃镜检查的83例无症状体检者的空腹血清及胃窦黏膜,经13C呼气试验、快速尿素酶实验及组织切...目的:研究幽门螺杆菌(Helicobacter pylori,H.pylori)感染对人血清及胃组织核组蛋白2(nucleobindin 2,NUCB2)/nesfatin-1表达的影响.方法:收集行胃镜检查的83例无症状体检者的空腹血清及胃窦黏膜,经13C呼气试验、快速尿素酶实验及组织切片Warth-Starry银染色三者共同确认分为H.pylori阳性组与H.pylori阴性组,采用酶联免疫吸附法及实时荧光定量PCR法分别测定血清NUCB2/nesfatin-1蛋白浓度及胃黏膜NUCB2 m RNA的表达量.结果:血清NUCB2/nesfatin-1蛋白浓度在H.pylori阳性组与H.pylori阴性组无明显差异(2.267 ng/m L±0.201 ng/m L vs 2.298 ng/m L±0.275 ng/m L,P>0.05);胃黏膜NUCB2 m RNA相对表达量在H.pylori阳性组明显高于H.pylori阴性组(1.336±0.324 vs 0.914±0.171,P<0.01).结论:H.pylori感染可导致胃黏膜NUCB2m R N A表达上调,但不影响感染者血清NUCB2/nesfatin-1浓度.展开更多
目的·利用负染电镜技术分析人源核小体重塑及组蛋白去乙酰化酶复合物(nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase complex,NuRD复合物)结构,获得人源NuRD复合物的轮廓信息。方法·将C端带有3×Flag标签的MBD3(methyl-CpG bind...目的·利用负染电镜技术分析人源核小体重塑及组蛋白去乙酰化酶复合物(nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase complex,NuRD复合物)结构,获得人源NuRD复合物的轮廓信息。方法·将C端带有3×Flag标签的MBD3(methyl-CpG binding domain protein 3)和N端带有10×His标签的GATAD2A(GATA zinc finger domain containing 2A)克隆至pMLink表达载体中,采用聚乙烯亚胺瞬时转染过表达的方式在人源Expi293F悬浮细胞里表达NuRD复合物中的蛋白质组分;依次通过Ni-NTA亲和层析、Flag(DYKDDDDK)标签亲和层析和Superose 6 Increase 5/150凝胶过滤层析分离纯化NuRD复合物;利用蛋白质印迹法(Western blotting)和液相色谱-串联质谱法(liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,LC-MS/MS)对复合物进行组分鉴定;利用负染电镜技术结合单颗粒重构技术研究NuRD复合物的空间结构;通过UCSF Chimera软件将蛋白质数据库(Protein Data Bank,PDB)中已有亚复合物的原子结构模型(7AO9,5FXY)与生成的结构模型进行自动匹配及比对,预测多个蛋白组分在负染结构模型中的定位。结果·利用两步亲和层析,成功富集了带有纯化标签的MBD3、GATAD2A蛋白及其他内源蛋白组分,通过进一步的凝胶过滤层析分离得到了均一性良好的复合物;通过Western blotting和LC-MS/MS鉴定,确认纯化得到的复合物为组分完整的人源NuRD复合物。利用负染电镜技术及单颗粒重构技术初步解析了NuRD复合物的空间结构,其整体轮廓特征明显,呈现为不对称的长条形;通过进一步的三维优化处理,最终获得了人源NuRD复合物分辨率约为17A(1A=0.1 nm)的初步三维结构模型;已有的亚复合物原子结构模型(PDB:7AO9,5FXY)与NuRD复合物的初步三维结构模型自动匹配后,初步确定了MTA1/2/3(metastasis-associated protein 1/2/3)、HDAC1/2(histone deacetylase 1/2)、RBBP4/7(retinoblastoma-binding protein 4/7)及MBD2/3(methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2/3)蛋白亚基在NuRD复合物负染结构模型中的定位。结论·利用单颗粒重构技术搭建了人源NuRD复合物的低分辨率负染结构模型。展开更多
AIM: To investigate the expression pattern of γ-synuclein in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, and to study the effects of γ-synuclein on CRC cell line HCT116 biological features in vitro.METHODS: The expression patt...AIM: To investigate the expression pattern of γ-synuclein in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, and to study the effects of γ-synuclein on CRC cell line HCT116 biological features in vitro.METHODS: The expression pattern of γ-synuclein was determined in 54 CRC tissues and 30 tumor-matched nonneoplastic adjacent tissues (NNAT) 5 cm away from the tumor via real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. The relationship between γ-synuclein protein expression and clinicopathological factors of CRC tissues was analyzed. Three small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting γ-synuclein mRNA plasmids were constructed and transfected into the CRC cell line HCT116. The stable cell lines were selected with G-418 for 28 d, and the biological features of these cells were examined by cell growth curve, soft agar assay, and cell migration and invasion assays in vitro. RESULTS: The expression of γ-synuclein mRNA and protein was much higher in CRC tissue samples than in NNAT samples (P = 0.02, P = 0.036). There was a significant correlation between the γ-synuclein protein expression and clinical stage and lymph node involvement of CRC (P = 0.02, P = 0.033). In functional analysis we found that down-regulation of γ-synuclein expression in HCT116 cells could inhibit the growth, colony formation rate, and migration and invasion ability of HCT116 cells.CONCLUSION: Increased expression of γ-synuclein in CRC tissues and the biological effects of reduced γ-synuclein expression on HCT116 cells suggest that γ-synuclein may play a positive role in the progression of CRC.展开更多
Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), the dynamic process of the in vitro nucleosome reconstitution followed by slow dilution from high salt to low salt was visualized. Data showed that the histone octamers were dissoc...Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), the dynamic process of the in vitro nucleosome reconstitution followed by slow dilution from high salt to low salt was visualized. Data showed that the histone octamers were dissociated from DNA at 1M NaCl. When the salt concentration was slowly reduced to 650 mMand 300 mM, the core histones bound to the naked DNA gradually. Once the salt concentration was reduced to 50 mM the classic 'beads-on-a-string' structure was clearly visualized. Furthermore, using the technique of the in vitro reconstitution ofnucleosome,the mono- and di- nucleosomes were assembled in vitro with both HS2core (-10681 to -10970 bp) and NCR2 (-372to -194 bp) DNA sequences in the 5'flanking sequence of human b-globin gene. Data revealed that HMG 1/2 and HMG 14/17 proteins binding to both DNA sequences are changeable following the assembly and disassembly of nucleosomes. We suggest that the changeable binding patterns of HMG 14/17 and HMG1/2 proteins with these regulatory elements may be critical in the process of nucleosome assembly, recruitment of chromatin-modifying activities, and the regulation of human b-globin gene expression.展开更多
Chromatin structure is important for controlling gene expression, but mechanisms underlying chromatin remodel- ing are not fully understood. Here we report that an FKBP （FK506 binding protein） type immunophilin, AtF...Chromatin structure is important for controlling gene expression, but mechanisms underlying chromatin remodel- ing are not fully understood. Here we report that an FKBP （FK506 binding protein） type immunophilin, AtFKBP53, possesses histone chaperone activity and is required for repressing ribosomal gene expression in Arabidopsis. The At- FKBP53 protein is a multidomain FKBP with a typical peptidylprolyl isomerase （PPIase） domain and several highly charged domains. Using nucleosome assembly assays, we showed that AtFKBP53 has histone chaperone activity and the charged acidic domains are sufficient for the activity. We show that AtFKBP53 interacts with histone H3 through the acidic domains, whereas the PPIase domain is dispensable for histone chaperone activity or histone binding. Ri- bosomal RNA gene （18S rDNA） is overexpressed when AtFKBP53 activity is reduced or eliminated in Arabidopsis plants. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that AtFKBP53 is associated with the 18S rDNA gene chro- matin, implicating that AtFKBP53 represses rRNA genes at the chromatin level. This study identifies a new histone chaperone in plants that functions in chromatin remodeling and regulation of transcription.展开更多
Nuclear bodies have long been noted in interphase nuclei of plant cells, but their structural component, origin and function are still unclear by now. The present work showed in onion cells the nuclear bodies appeared...Nuclear bodies have long been noted in interphase nuclei of plant cells, but their structural component, origin and function are still unclear by now. The present work showed in onion cells the nuclear bodies appeared as a spherical structure about 0.3 to 0.8 microm in diameter. They possibly were formed in nucleolus and subsequently released, and entered into nucleoplasm. Observation through cytochemical staining method at the ultrastructural level confirmed that nuclear bodies consisted of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) and silver-stainable proteins. Immunocytochemical results revealed that nuclear bodies contained no DNA and ribosomal gene transcription factor (UBF). Based on these data, we suggested that nuclear bodies are not related to the ribosome or other gene transcription activities, instead they may act as subnuclear structures for RNPs transport from nucleolus to cytoplasm, and may also be involved in splicing of pre-mRNAs.展开更多
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) encodes a single polyprotein, which is processed by cellular and viral proteases to generate 10 polypeptides. The HCV genome also contains an overlapping +1 reading frame that may lead to the s...Hepatitis C virus (HCV) encodes a single polyprotein, which is processed by cellular and viral proteases to generate 10 polypeptides. The HCV genome also contains an overlapping +1 reading frame that may lead to the synthesis of an additional protein. Until recently, studies of HCV have been hampered by the lack of a productive cell culture system. Since the identification of HCV genome approximately 17 years ago, structural, biochemical and biological information on HCV proteins has mainly been obtained with proteins produced by heterologous expression systems. In addition, some functional studies have also been confirmed with replicon systems or with retroviral particles pseudotyped with HCV envelope glycoproteins. The data that have accumulated on HCV proteins begin to provide a framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the major steps of HCV life cycle. Moreover, the knowledge accumulated on HCV proteins is also leading to the development of antiviral drugs among which some are showing promising results in early- phase clinical trials. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the functions and biochemical features of HCV proteins.展开更多
Influenza virus is a continuous and severe global threat to mankind. The continuously re-emerging disease gives rise to thousands of deaths and enormous economic losses each year, which emphasizes the urgency and nece...Influenza virus is a continuous and severe global threat to mankind. The continuously re-emerging disease gives rise to thousands of deaths and enormous economic losses each year, which emphasizes the urgency and necessity to develop high-quality influenza vaccines in a safer, more efficient and economic way. The influenza subunit and VLP vaccines, taking the advantage of recombinant DNA technologies and expression system platforms, can be produced in such an ideal way. This review summarized the recent advancements in the research and development of influenza subunit and VLP vaccines based on the recombinant expression of hemagglutinin antigen (HA), neuraminidase antigen (NA), Matrix 2 protein (M2) and nucleocapsid protein (NP). It would help to get insight into the current stage of influenza vaccines, and suggest the future design and development of novel influenza vaccines.展开更多
The Gram-negative Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a common pathogen in humans and marine animals. Bacteria flagellins play an important role during infection and induction of the host immune response. Thus, flagellin prote...The Gram-negative Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a common pathogen in humans and marine animals. Bacteria flagellins play an important role during infection and induction of the host immune response. Thus, flagellin proteins are an ideal target for vaccines. We amplified the complete flagellin subunit gene （tTaA） from V. parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802. We then cloned and expressed the gene into Escherichia coli BL21 （DE3） cells. The gene coded for a protein that was 62.78 kDa. We purified and characterized the protein using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and Anti-His antibody Western blotting, respectively. Our results provide a basis for further studies into the utility of the FlaA protein as a vaccine candidate against infection by Vibrio parahaemolyticus. In addition, the purified FlaA protein can he used for further functional and structural studies.展开更多
The presence of actin in eukaryotic nuclei and chromosomes, and especially in higher plant nuclei and chromosomes, has not been well established. We detected actin in meristematic cells of Allium cepa with indirect im...The presence of actin in eukaryotic nuclei and chromosomes, and especially in higher plant nuclei and chromosomes, has not been well established. We detected actin in meristematic cells of Allium cepa with indirect immunofluorescence technique and observed bright fluorescence in the intact nuclei and chromosomes, indicating that actin is present in the nuclei and chromosomes of the higher plant. We labeled sections of the meristematic cells of A. cepa with immunogold technique, gold particles were found over the whole nuclei and a number of gold particles were concentrated in condensed chromatin and nucleoli, confirming the results of the immunofluoresence observations. We treated the nuclei and chromosomes of A.cepa with DNase I and 2M NaCl and obtained DNA- and histone-depleted nuclei and chromosomes. Indirect immunofluorescence tests showed that the DNA- and histonedepleted nuclei and chromosomes reacted positively with the anti-actin antibodies. These results demonstrate that actin exists not only in intact nuclei and chromosomes,but also in DNA- and histone-depleted nuclei and chrmosomes of the plant. In addition, our immuno-fluorescence tests indicate that tropomyosin is present in the nuclei and chromosomes of A. cepa.展开更多
文摘目的:研究幽门螺杆菌(Helicobacter pylori,H.pylori)感染对人血清及胃组织核组蛋白2(nucleobindin 2,NUCB2)/nesfatin-1表达的影响.方法:收集行胃镜检查的83例无症状体检者的空腹血清及胃窦黏膜,经13C呼气试验、快速尿素酶实验及组织切片Warth-Starry银染色三者共同确认分为H.pylori阳性组与H.pylori阴性组,采用酶联免疫吸附法及实时荧光定量PCR法分别测定血清NUCB2/nesfatin-1蛋白浓度及胃黏膜NUCB2 m RNA的表达量.结果:血清NUCB2/nesfatin-1蛋白浓度在H.pylori阳性组与H.pylori阴性组无明显差异(2.267 ng/m L±0.201 ng/m L vs 2.298 ng/m L±0.275 ng/m L,P>0.05);胃黏膜NUCB2 m RNA相对表达量在H.pylori阳性组明显高于H.pylori阴性组(1.336±0.324 vs 0.914±0.171,P<0.01).结论:H.pylori感染可导致胃黏膜NUCB2m R N A表达上调,但不影响感染者血清NUCB2/nesfatin-1浓度.
文摘目的·利用负染电镜技术分析人源核小体重塑及组蛋白去乙酰化酶复合物(nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase complex,NuRD复合物)结构,获得人源NuRD复合物的轮廓信息。方法·将C端带有3×Flag标签的MBD3(methyl-CpG binding domain protein 3)和N端带有10×His标签的GATAD2A(GATA zinc finger domain containing 2A)克隆至pMLink表达载体中,采用聚乙烯亚胺瞬时转染过表达的方式在人源Expi293F悬浮细胞里表达NuRD复合物中的蛋白质组分;依次通过Ni-NTA亲和层析、Flag(DYKDDDDK)标签亲和层析和Superose 6 Increase 5/150凝胶过滤层析分离纯化NuRD复合物;利用蛋白质印迹法(Western blotting)和液相色谱-串联质谱法(liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,LC-MS/MS)对复合物进行组分鉴定;利用负染电镜技术结合单颗粒重构技术研究NuRD复合物的空间结构;通过UCSF Chimera软件将蛋白质数据库(Protein Data Bank,PDB)中已有亚复合物的原子结构模型(7AO9,5FXY)与生成的结构模型进行自动匹配及比对,预测多个蛋白组分在负染结构模型中的定位。结果·利用两步亲和层析,成功富集了带有纯化标签的MBD3、GATAD2A蛋白及其他内源蛋白组分,通过进一步的凝胶过滤层析分离得到了均一性良好的复合物;通过Western blotting和LC-MS/MS鉴定,确认纯化得到的复合物为组分完整的人源NuRD复合物。利用负染电镜技术及单颗粒重构技术初步解析了NuRD复合物的空间结构,其整体轮廓特征明显,呈现为不对称的长条形;通过进一步的三维优化处理,最终获得了人源NuRD复合物分辨率约为17A(1A=0.1 nm)的初步三维结构模型;已有的亚复合物原子结构模型(PDB:7AO9,5FXY)与NuRD复合物的初步三维结构模型自动匹配后,初步确定了MTA1/2/3(metastasis-associated protein 1/2/3)、HDAC1/2(histone deacetylase 1/2)、RBBP4/7(retinoblastoma-binding protein 4/7)及MBD2/3(methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2/3)蛋白亚基在NuRD复合物负染结构模型中的定位。结论·利用单颗粒重构技术搭建了人源NuRD复合物的低分辨率负染结构模型。
文摘AIM: To investigate the expression pattern of γ-synuclein in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, and to study the effects of γ-synuclein on CRC cell line HCT116 biological features in vitro.METHODS: The expression pattern of γ-synuclein was determined in 54 CRC tissues and 30 tumor-matched nonneoplastic adjacent tissues (NNAT) 5 cm away from the tumor via real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. The relationship between γ-synuclein protein expression and clinicopathological factors of CRC tissues was analyzed. Three small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting γ-synuclein mRNA plasmids were constructed and transfected into the CRC cell line HCT116. The stable cell lines were selected with G-418 for 28 d, and the biological features of these cells were examined by cell growth curve, soft agar assay, and cell migration and invasion assays in vitro. RESULTS: The expression of γ-synuclein mRNA and protein was much higher in CRC tissue samples than in NNAT samples (P = 0.02, P = 0.036). There was a significant correlation between the γ-synuclein protein expression and clinical stage and lymph node involvement of CRC (P = 0.02, P = 0.033). In functional analysis we found that down-regulation of γ-synuclein expression in HCT116 cells could inhibit the growth, colony formation rate, and migration and invasion ability of HCT116 cells.CONCLUSION: Increased expression of γ-synuclein in CRC tissues and the biological effects of reduced γ-synuclein expression on HCT116 cells suggest that γ-synuclein may play a positive role in the progression of CRC.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.39893320 and 39870378)the Foundation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.Kj982-j1-618).
文摘Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), the dynamic process of the in vitro nucleosome reconstitution followed by slow dilution from high salt to low salt was visualized. Data showed that the histone octamers were dissociated from DNA at 1M NaCl. When the salt concentration was slowly reduced to 650 mMand 300 mM, the core histones bound to the naked DNA gradually. Once the salt concentration was reduced to 50 mM the classic 'beads-on-a-string' structure was clearly visualized. Furthermore, using the technique of the in vitro reconstitution ofnucleosome,the mono- and di- nucleosomes were assembled in vitro with both HS2core (-10681 to -10970 bp) and NCR2 (-372to -194 bp) DNA sequences in the 5'flanking sequence of human b-globin gene. Data revealed that HMG 1/2 and HMG 14/17 proteins binding to both DNA sequences are changeable following the assembly and disassembly of nucleosomes. We suggest that the changeable binding patterns of HMG 14/17 and HMG1/2 proteins with these regulatory elements may be critical in the process of nucleosome assembly, recruitment of chromatin-modifying activities, and the regulation of human b-globin gene expression.
基金We thank Veder Garcia （University of California, Berkeley, USA） for critically reading the paper, Zengyong He for providing the AtFKBP53：：GUS transgenic line and Masami Horikoshi （The University of Tokyo, Japan） for the pET-6His-SpFkbp39P plasmid. This work was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and US Department of Energy （toSL）.
文摘Chromatin structure is important for controlling gene expression, but mechanisms underlying chromatin remodel- ing are not fully understood. Here we report that an FKBP （FK506 binding protein） type immunophilin, AtFKBP53, possesses histone chaperone activity and is required for repressing ribosomal gene expression in Arabidopsis. The At- FKBP53 protein is a multidomain FKBP with a typical peptidylprolyl isomerase （PPIase） domain and several highly charged domains. Using nucleosome assembly assays, we showed that AtFKBP53 has histone chaperone activity and the charged acidic domains are sufficient for the activity. We show that AtFKBP53 interacts with histone H3 through the acidic domains, whereas the PPIase domain is dispensable for histone chaperone activity or histone binding. Ri- bosomal RNA gene （18S rDNA） is overexpressed when AtFKBP53 activity is reduced or eliminated in Arabidopsis plants. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that AtFKBP53 is associated with the 18S rDNA gene chro- matin, implicating that AtFKBP53 represses rRNA genes at the chromatin level. This study identifies a new histone chaperone in plants that functions in chromatin remodeling and regulation of transcription.
文摘Nuclear bodies have long been noted in interphase nuclei of plant cells, but their structural component, origin and function are still unclear by now. The present work showed in onion cells the nuclear bodies appeared as a spherical structure about 0.3 to 0.8 microm in diameter. They possibly were formed in nucleolus and subsequently released, and entered into nucleoplasm. Observation through cytochemical staining method at the ultrastructural level confirmed that nuclear bodies consisted of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) and silver-stainable proteins. Immunocytochemical results revealed that nuclear bodies contained no DNA and ribosomal gene transcription factor (UBF). Based on these data, we suggested that nuclear bodies are not related to the ribosome or other gene transcription activities, instead they may act as subnuclear structures for RNPs transport from nucleolus to cytoplasm, and may also be involved in splicing of pre-mRNAs.
文摘Hepatitis C virus (HCV) encodes a single polyprotein, which is processed by cellular and viral proteases to generate 10 polypeptides. The HCV genome also contains an overlapping +1 reading frame that may lead to the synthesis of an additional protein. Until recently, studies of HCV have been hampered by the lack of a productive cell culture system. Since the identification of HCV genome approximately 17 years ago, structural, biochemical and biological information on HCV proteins has mainly been obtained with proteins produced by heterologous expression systems. In addition, some functional studies have also been confirmed with replicon systems or with retroviral particles pseudotyped with HCV envelope glycoproteins. The data that have accumulated on HCV proteins begin to provide a framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the major steps of HCV life cycle. Moreover, the knowledge accumulated on HCV proteins is also leading to the development of antiviral drugs among which some are showing promising results in early- phase clinical trials. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the functions and biochemical features of HCV proteins.
基金The Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. KSCX2-EW-G-8)
文摘Influenza virus is a continuous and severe global threat to mankind. The continuously re-emerging disease gives rise to thousands of deaths and enormous economic losses each year, which emphasizes the urgency and necessity to develop high-quality influenza vaccines in a safer, more efficient and economic way. The influenza subunit and VLP vaccines, taking the advantage of recombinant DNA technologies and expression system platforms, can be produced in such an ideal way. This review summarized the recent advancements in the research and development of influenza subunit and VLP vaccines based on the recombinant expression of hemagglutinin antigen (HA), neuraminidase antigen (NA), Matrix 2 protein (M2) and nucleocapsid protein (NP). It would help to get insight into the current stage of influenza vaccines, and suggest the future design and development of novel influenza vaccines.
基金Supported by the Dalian Municipal Government of China (No. 2007B11NC069)the Key Laboratory Foundation of the Educational Department of Liaoning Province (No.2009S024)the Grant of Dalian Fisheries University (No. SY2007005)
文摘The Gram-negative Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a common pathogen in humans and marine animals. Bacteria flagellins play an important role during infection and induction of the host immune response. Thus, flagellin proteins are an ideal target for vaccines. We amplified the complete flagellin subunit gene （tTaA） from V. parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802. We then cloned and expressed the gene into Escherichia coli BL21 （DE3） cells. The gene coded for a protein that was 62.78 kDa. We purified and characterized the protein using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and Anti-His antibody Western blotting, respectively. Our results provide a basis for further studies into the utility of the FlaA protein as a vaccine candidate against infection by Vibrio parahaemolyticus. In addition, the purified FlaA protein can he used for further functional and structural studies.
文摘The presence of actin in eukaryotic nuclei and chromosomes, and especially in higher plant nuclei and chromosomes, has not been well established. We detected actin in meristematic cells of Allium cepa with indirect immunofluorescence technique and observed bright fluorescence in the intact nuclei and chromosomes, indicating that actin is present in the nuclei and chromosomes of the higher plant. We labeled sections of the meristematic cells of A. cepa with immunogold technique, gold particles were found over the whole nuclei and a number of gold particles were concentrated in condensed chromatin and nucleoli, confirming the results of the immunofluoresence observations. We treated the nuclei and chromosomes of A.cepa with DNase I and 2M NaCl and obtained DNA- and histone-depleted nuclei and chromosomes. Indirect immunofluorescence tests showed that the DNA- and histonedepleted nuclei and chromosomes reacted positively with the anti-actin antibodies. These results demonstrate that actin exists not only in intact nuclei and chromosomes,but also in DNA- and histone-depleted nuclei and chrmosomes of the plant. In addition, our immuno-fluorescence tests indicate that tropomyosin is present in the nuclei and chromosomes of A. cepa.
