ISSN:
0730-2312
Keywords:
encystment induction
;
Acanthamoeba castellanii
;
pinocytotic inhibition
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Monoclonal antibodies that bind a large molecular weight plasma membrane protein of Acanthamoeba castellanii cause the cells to differentiate. A different monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the major plasma membrane protein has no effect upon cell division or differentiation. The induction of differentiation by the monoclonal antibodies requires a bivalent attachment, more than a single binding cycle of the antibody to the plasma membrane protein, does not require cell-cell contact, and appears to be mediated by an inhibition of pinocytosis. These results suggest one of two alternatives: either (1) this free living amoeba possesses a cell surface receptor that serves to initiate the differentiation process when stimulated, or (2) the specific plasma membrane antigen for the differentiation-inducing monoclonal antibodies is an essential component of the pinocytotic mechanism. While it seems more likely on the basis of available evidence that we are observing the biological effects of a cell surface receptor, either of the two alternative circumstances open up investigative areas of large significance.
Additional Material:
3 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jcb.240290410
