Cytoskeletal architecture and motility in a giant freshwater amoeba, Reticulomyxa

Reticulomyxa is a large, multinucleated freshwater protozoan with striking intracellular transport. Cytoplasmic streaming and saltatory movements of individual organelles (at rates of up to 25 micron/sec) are observed within the naked cell body and the extensive reticulate peripheral network of fine cytoplasmic strands. As demonstrated by video-enhanced light microscopy, individual organelles move only when associated with cytoskeletal linear elements. The linear elements are composed of mixed colinear bundles of microtubules and actin filaments, which form the backbone of the reticulopodial network. The constant branching, sprouting, and fusion of network strands suggest unique membrane properties and an unusually dynamic cytoskeleton. The electrophoretic mobility of Reticulomyxa tubulins and the lack of crossreactivity with several antibodies known to react with many plant and animal tubulins suggest that they may differ from other tubulins more widely than might be expected. Reticulomyxa's large size, the rapidity and pervasiveness of the two forms of transport, and the simple and ordered cytoskeleton make the organism well suited for future studies on the mechanisms of intracellular transport.