What is it about?
The role of dynamin in Paramecium phagocytosis was examined by quantitative evaluation of immunoblots and ultrastructural detection by immunogold labelling with specific anti-dynamin antibodies.Western blot analysis was performed on the subcellular fractions isolated from cells internalising latex beads or exposed to pharmacological compounds that inhibit phagocytic activity.
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Why is it important?
Upon onset of phagocytosis dynamin level was significantly increased by 30% after 5 min of bead uptake but it did not differ from the control value following 15 min exposure to latex beads. Inhibition of phagocytosis with l-propranolol (150 μM) evoked a~2-fold decrease in dynamin expression, whereas the effect of trifluoropera- zine (20 μM) was less pronounced (14% decrease). In electron microscopic studies dynamin was localized at the phagosomal and cytopharyngeal membranes and in discoidal vesicles which are indispensable for phagosome formation.
Perspectives
After cessation of phagocytic activity no immunogold labelling of dynamin was detected in the majority of discoidal vesicles. These observations may indicate that dynamin is involved in Paramecium phagocytosis at its initial stage.
Professor Elzbieta Wyroba
Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology
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This page is a summary of: Dynamin involvement in Paramecium phagocytosis, European Journal of Protistology, January 2003, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1078/0932-4739-00014.
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