Biopolym. Cell. 2019; 35(3):228-228.
Хроніка та інформація
Electron microscopic approaches in studies of lipidic structures in the cell nucleus.
1, 2Філімоненко В., 2Долежі Ж., 1Собол М., 2Пінкас Д., 3Фужимото Т., 1Хозак П.
  1. Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics ASCR
    Prague, Czech Republic
  2. Microscopy Centre, Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Genetics ASCR
    Prague, Czech Republic
  3. Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
    Nagoya, Japan

Abstract

So far, mostly protein complexes have been found as important for this ordering. We have described novel structures containing phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) which seem to contribute as well. Ultrastructural studies demonstrate the PIP2-positive structures propagating through the nucleolus into the nucleoplasm where PIP2 is enriched in interchromatin granules, and also form previously undescribed 70-100 nm roundish “nuclear lipid islets” (NLI). Electron microscopy (EM) is essential for thorough characterization of the structure and molecular composition of this novel nuclear compartment. The usage of appropriate method for EM sample preparation is a crucial step as lipidic structures are potentially predisposed to extraction or translocations. Aims: To verify the results of ultrastructural localization of PIP2 obtained by several approaches including chemical fixation and cryoimmobilization followed by different immunolabeling techniques. Methods: We employed quick-freezing – freeze fracture replica labelling (QF-FRL), where the biological material is fixed physically – by high-pressure freezing, and subsequently mechanically – by coating with carbon/platinum layer. Due to it, QF-FRL fixes also lipids and the samples are considered to be closer to the native state as compared to other techniques. Results: We were able to immunolabel PIP2 present in membranes as well as PIP2 which is localized in non-membranous compartments. NLI in the nucleoplasm were of the same size and shape as revealed by other techniques. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that NLI are stable structures resistant to aldehyde fixation and extraction, which is possibly ensured by interactions of lipidic components with proteins. Funding: GACR (15-08738S, 19-05608S), TACR (TE01020118), CAS (JSPS-18-18), institutional grant (RVO: 68378050), MEYS CR (LM2015062), OPVVV (CZ.02.1.01/0.0/16_013/0001775) Keywords: lamins, PIP2, chromatin Spatial ordering of the cell nucleus is critical for controlling fundamental nuclear processes such as gene expression, DNA replication, and RNA processing.