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SEROLOGICAL ANALYSES OF CELLULAR SLIME MOLD DEVELOPMENT. II. PREFERENTIAL LOSS, DURING MORPHOGENESIS, OF ANTIGENIC
Abstract:
Sonneborn, D. R. (Brandeis University, Waltham, Mass.), L. Levine, and M. Sussman. Serological analyses of cellular slime mold development. II. Preferential loss, during morphogenesis, of antigenic activity associated with the vegetative myxamoebae. J. Bacteriol. 89:1092-1096. 1965.-A major antigenic component of Dictyostelium discoideum (vegetative myxamoebae) is retained during morphogenesis up to the final stages of fruiting-body construction. It is found in the cells constituting the stalk of the mature fruit but is undetectable in the spores. The nature of the preferential loss of antigen from this cell contingent is unknown. Antiserum prepared against the vegetative myxamoebae is cytotoxic and reduces cell viability by several orders of magnitude at dilutions of about 1:100.
Insights
Cellular slime mold development involves losing a key antigen found in vegetative cells. This antigen is present in stalk cells but absent in spores, with its loss mechanism unknown.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cellular slime molds, like Dictyostelium discoideum, undergo complex developmental processes.
- Vegetative myxamoebae possess distinct antigenic components.
- Morphogenesis involves significant cellular differentiation and structural changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fate of a major antigenic component during Dictyostelium discoideum morphogenesis.
- To determine if specific cellular components lose antigenic activity during development.
- To analyze the serological changes associated with cellular slime mold development.
Main Methods:
- Serological analysis using antisera against vegetative myxamoebae.
- Immunological assays to detect antigen presence in different developmental stages.
- Cytotoxicity assays to assess the effect of antisera on cell viability.
Main Results:
- A major antigen of vegetative myxamoebae is retained in stalk cells of the mature fruiting body.
- This antigen is preferentially lost and undetectable in the spores.
- Antiserum against vegetative myxamoebae exhibits significant cytotoxicity, reducing cell viability.
Conclusions:
- The study identifies a specific antigen loss during Dictyostelium discoideum morphogenesis.
- The preferential loss of this antigen from spores suggests developmental regulation.
- The cytotoxic nature of the antiserum highlights the immunological distinctiveness of vegetative cells.
