Cytoskeletal reorganization induced by nerve growth factor and glia maturation factor in anaplastic glioma cells

Changes in cytoskeletal organization in T9 anaplastic glioma cells have been examined during morphological changes induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) and by glia maturation factor (GMF). Indirect immunofluorescent labeling of cytoskeletal proteins has revealed that while neither GMF nor NGF induces expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in this cell line, changes in cytoskeletal organization induced by these factors show some features similar to those observable during maturation of normal glial cells. Changing cell shapes induced by these factors are clearly outlined by the prominent distribution of microfilaments along cellular margins. Microtubules and intermediate filaments gradually extend during morphological changes and fill the characteristic cytoplasmic processes induced by NGF and GMF.