Abstract
Dictyostelium discoideum cells plated for development until aggregation stage, and then dissociated into media containing glucose, albumin, and cAMP will form into clumps and undergo prespore and prestalk differentiation. Differentiation in this in vitro system is dependent on three components: cAMP, multicellularity, and the acquisition of “differentiation competence” which the cells acquire in a period between interphase and aggregation stage when plated on Millipore filters. We have used this system to explore aspects of the multicellular environment which are involved in regulating the accumulation of the different prespore- and prestalk-specific messenger RNAs. Two classes of prespore messenger RNA, as well as a prestalk-specific messenger RNA, all require the acquisition of differentiation competence in order to be expressed in response to cAMP. Additionally, all of these messenger RNAs require agglomerate formation for maximal expression. The addition of 33 m M ammonium sulfate (NH 4) 2SO 4, however, can entirely replace the requirement for agglomerate formation for expression of the prestalk-specific messenger RNA, and can partially substitute for agglomerate formation in inducing the expression of both classes of prespore-specific messenger RNAs. In this system, cAMP is essential for the initial induction of expression of all three classes of messenger RNAs while agglomerate formation or elevated NH 3/NH + 4 is essential only for the maintenance of the elevated levels of the messenger RNAs.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call