Acetylated alpha-tubulin in Trypanosoma cruzi: immunocytochemical localization

We have used monoclonal antibodies specific for acetylated and non-acetylated alpha-tubulin to localize microtubules containing acetylated alpha-tubulin in all developmental forms of the life cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi. This was demonstrated using immunofluorescence and by transmission electron microscopy of thin sections, negative stained cells, and replicas of whole Triton X-100 extracted cells immunolabeled with antibody-gold complex. The antibody specific for acetylated alpha-tubulin (6-11B-1) binds to the flagellar, as well as to the sub-pellicular microtubules. The extent of labeling of the sub-pellicular microtubules with the monoclonal antibody recognized alpha-acetylated tubulin was smaller than that observed with the antibody which recognizes all tubulin isoforms. In relation to the developmental forms, the extent of labeling of the microtubules with antibody 6-11B-1 was larger in epimastigote and trypomastigote than in amastigote forms. Incubation of the parasites for 1 h at 0 degrees C or in the presence of either colchicine or vinblastine did not interfere with the sub-pellicular microtubules. These observations, in agreement with those reported for Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Schneider et al., 1987; Schulze et al., 1987; Sasse & Gull, 1988) indicate that the sub-pellicular microtubules of trypanosomatids represent stable microtubules containing acetylated alpha-tubulin (or the alpha 3-tubulin isotype).