Stalk Cells Research Articles

Hypoxia-selective inhibition of angiogenesis development by NAMI-A analogues.

The antimetastatic ruthenium(III) complex (H2Im)[trans-RuCl4(HIm)(DMSO)] (NAMI-A) as well as its two analogues (H2Ind)[trans-RuCl4(HInd)(DMSO)] (Ru-Ind) and (HIsq)[trans-RuCl4(Isq)(DMSO)] (Ru-Isq) (HIm–imidazole, HInd–indazole, Isq–isoquinoline, DMSO–dimethyl sulfoxide) were tested for their effect on endothelial cell functions in vitro on human skin microvascular endothelial cells (HSkMEC) and human endothelial progenitor cells (HPEC-CB.2) under normoxic (21 % O2) and hypoxic (1 % O2) conditions. All studied complexes showed very low cytotoxicity profiles towards both mature microvascular and precursor endothelial cells (ECs), independently of oxygen concentration. Among tested compounds Ru-Ind exhibited the highest cytotoxicity. The antiangiogenic activity of ruthenium complexes was evaluated for their influence on pseudo-vessels formation by microvascular endothelial cells (HSkMEC) because of their involvement in melanoma progression. Our studies indicated that Ru-Ind and Ru-Isq exhibited hypoxia- and dose-dependent-inhibition of angiogenesis on Matrigel™. Significant hypoxia-selective downregulation of pseudo-vessels formation by Ru-Isq correlates with efficient inhibition of cell motility. Interestingly, in the applied concentration doses migration of endothelial cells was also inhibited by NAMI-A, but the pseudo-vessels formation on Matrigel™ was unaffected. Angiogenesis-related genes expression profile for both mature and precursor ECs indicated that inhibition of angiogenesis, mainly due to Ru-Isq, as compared to NAMI-A and Ru-Ind correlated with downregulation of CD31 and CD144 expression and upregulation of NOTCH4 expression in mature ECs, which is essential for endothelial cell motility and stalk cells organization control. The hypoxia-selective antiangiogenic activity of Ru-Ind and Ru-Isq, NAMI-A analogues makes them potent antimetastatic therapeutics for their selective action in hypoxia which controls tumor pathologic angiogenesis.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10534-016-9974-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Fzd7 (Frizzled-7) Expressed by Endothelial Cells Controls Blood Vessel Formation Through Wnt/β-Catenin Canonical Signaling.

Vessel formation requires precise orchestration of a series of morphometric and molecular events controlled by a multitude of angiogenic factors and morphogens. Wnt/frizzled signaling is required for proper vascular formation. In this study, we investigated the role of the Fzd7 (frizzled-7) receptor in retinal vascular development and its relationship with the Wnt/β-catenin canonical pathway and Notch signaling. Using transgenic mice, we demonstrated that Fzd7 is required for postnatal vascular formation. Endothelial cell (EC) deletion of fzd7 (fzd7ECKO) delayed retinal plexus formation because of an impairment in tip cell phenotype and a decrease in stalk cell proliferation. Dvl (dishevelled) proteins are a main component of Wnt signaling and play a functionally redundant role. We found that Dvl3 depletion in dvl1-/- mice mimicked the fzd7ECKO vascular phenotype and demonstrated that Fzd7 acted via β-catenin activation by showing that LiCl treatment rescued impairment in tip and stalk cell phenotypes induced in fzd7 mutants. Deletion of fzd7 or Dvl1/3 induced a strong decrease in Wnt canonical genes and Notch partners' expression. Genetic and pharmacological rescue strategies demonstrated that Fzd7 acted via β-catenin activation, upstream of Notch signaling to control Dll4 and Jagged1 EC expression. Fzd7 expressed by EC drives postnatal angiogenesis via activation of Dvl/β-catenin signaling and can control the integrative interaction of Wnt and Notch signaling during postnatal angiogenesis.

ERK activation in endothelial cells is a novel marker during neovasculogenesis.

Vasculogenesis is essential during early development to construct networks transporting oxygen, blood and nutrients. Tip and stalk cells are specialized endothelial cells involved in novel vessel formation because of their behavior such as sprouting as a leading cell and following tip cell. However, the spatiotemporal details determining the emergence of these cells are unknown. Here, we first show that the ERK activity in endothelial cells represents the precursor of tip and stalk cells for vasculogenesis in zebrafish. We identified that tip and stalk cells for intersegmental vessel (ISV) formation were already specialized in the dorsal aorta (DA) before sprouting. Furthermore, similar specialization was observed in tip cells during parachordal vessel (PAV) formation in lymphangiogenesis. We also identified that the ERK activity was required for specialized cells to emerge from existing blood vessels. Our data show that the ERK activity is a novel marker for determining the emergence of cells in both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.

CAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) regulates angiogenesis by modulating tip cell behavior in a Notch-independent manner

cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinase that regulates a variety of cellular functions. Here, we demonstrate that endothelial PKA activity is essential for vascular development, specifically regulating the transition from sprouting to stabilization of nascent vessels. Inhibition of endothelial PKA by endothelial cell-specific expression of dominant-negative PKA in mice led to perturbed vascular development, hemorrhage and embryonic lethality at mid-gestation. During perinatal retinal angiogenesis, inhibition of PKA resulted in hypersprouting as a result of increased numbers of tip cells. In zebrafish, cell autonomous PKA inhibition also increased and sustained endothelial cell motility, driving cells to become tip cells. Although these effects of PKA inhibition were highly reminiscent of Notch inhibition effects, our data demonstrate that PKA and Notch independently regulate tip and stalk cell formation and behavior.

Glutathione S-transferase 4 is a putative DIF-binding protein that regulates the size of fruiting bodies in Dictyostelium discoideum

In the development of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum, two chlorinated compounds, the differentiation-inducing factors DIF-1 and DIF-2, play important roles in the regulation of both cell differentiation and chemotactic cell movement. However, the receptors of DIFs and the components of DIF signaling systems have not previously been elucidated. To identify the receptors for DIF-1 and DIF-2, we here performed DIF-conjugated affinity gel chromatography and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and identified the glutathione S-transferase GST4 as a major DIF-binding protein. Knockout and overexpression mutants of gst4 (gst4– and gst4OE, respectively) formed fruiting bodies, but the fruiting bodies of gst4– cells were smaller than those of wild-type Ax2 cells, and those of gst4OE cells were larger than those of Ax2 cells. Both chemotaxis regulation and in vitro stalk cell formation by DIFs in the gst4 mutants were similar to those of Ax2 cells. These results suggest that GST4 is a DIF-binding protein that regulates the sizes of cell aggregates and fruiting bodies in D. discoideum.

Scorpion katoikogenic ovariuterus – Much more alike to apoikogenic type than it seemed to be

Scorpions are viviparous matrotrophic arthropods. Both, fertilization and embryonic development occur in the female gonad called ovariuterus. Two distinct reproductive patterns are recognized among scorpions: apoikogenic and katoikogenic. In the ovariuterus of apoikogenic scorpions growing oocytes protrude from the ovarian wall and continue previtellogenic and vitellogenic growth on the gonad surface being accompanied by the follicular cells that cover the oocyte surface, and, in most families, the stalk cells that join the oocyte with the ovariuterus wall. In the katoikogenic ovariuterus the oocytes grow in outpocketings of the ovarian wall called diverticula. The aim of our study was to show the development and structure of the diverticula in two katoikogenic scorpions from the family Scorpionidae: Ophistothalmus boehmei and Heterometrus spinifer. We show that the somatic components of each diverticulum develop from the two epithelial layers of the ovariuterine wall. Before fertilization, the wall of the mature diverticula consists of two distinctive epithelial layers: an internal and an external one. Our observations reveal that the epithelial cells of the internal layer of the diverticulum show striking morphological resemblance to the follicular and stalk cells that accompany the growing oocytes in some apoikogenic scorpions. The external epithelial layer of the katoikogenic diverticulum seems to have no equivalents in the apoikogenic type. Functions of the somatic cells of the diverticulum are discussed.

Some New Records of Black Mildew Fungi from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra State, India

Some New Records of Black Mildew Fungi from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra State, India

Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals the Genetic Basis of Stalk Cell Wall Components in Maize.

Lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose are the three main components of the plant cell wall and can impact stalk quality by affecting cell wall structure and strength. In this study, we evaluated the lignin (LIG), cellulose (CEL) and hemicellulose (HC) contents in maize using an association mapping panel that included 368 inbred lines in seven environments. A genome-wide association study using approximately 0.56 million SNPs with a minor allele frequency of 0.05 identified 22, 18 and 24 loci significantly associated with LIG, CEL and HC at P < 1.0×10−4, respectively. The allelic variation of each significant association contributed 4 to 7% of the phenotypic variation. Candidate genes identified by GWAS mainly encode enzymes involved in cell wall metabolism, transcription factors, protein kinase and protein related to other biological processes. Among the association signals, six candidate genes had pleiotropic effects on lignin and cellulose content. These results provide valuable information for better understanding the genetic basis of stalk cell wall components in maize.

Pleiotropic action of CpG-ODN on endothelium and macrophages attenuates angiogenesis through distinct pathways.

There is an integral relationship between vascular cells and leukocytes in supporting healthy tissue homeostasis. Furthermore, activation of these two cellular components is key for tissue repair following injury. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a role in innate immunity defending the organism against infection, but their contribution to angiogenesis remains unclear. Here we used synthetic TLR9 agonists, cytosine-phosphate-guanosine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN), to investigate the role of TLR9 in vascular pathophysiology and identify potential therapeutic translation. We demonstrate that CpG-ODN stimulates inflammation yet inhibits angiogenesis. Regulation of angiogenesis by CpG-ODN is pervasive and tissue non-specific. Further, we noted that synthetic CpG-ODN requires backbone phosphorothioate but not TLR9 activation to render and maintain endothelial stalk cells quiescent. CpG-ODN pre-treated endothelial cells enhance macrophage migration but restrain pericyte mobilisation. CpG-ODN attenuation of angiogenesis, however, remains TLR9-dependent, as inhibition is lost in TLR9 deficient mice. Additionally, CpG-ODNs induce an M1 macrophage phenotype that restricts angiogenesis. The effects mediated by CpG-ODNs can therefore modulate both endothelial cells and macrophages through distinct pathways, providing potential therapeutic application in ocular vascular disease.

Relating proton pumps with gap junctions: colocalization of ductin, the channel-forming subunit c of V-ATPase, with subunit a and with innexins 2 and 3 during Drosophila oogenesis.

BackgroundIon-transport mechanisms and gap junctions are known to cooperate in creating bioelectric phenomena, like pH gradients, voltage gradients and ion fluxes within single cells, tissues, organs, and whole organisms. Such phenomena have been shown to play regulatory roles in a variety of developmental and regenerative processes. Using Drosophila oogenesis as a model system, we aim at characterizing in detail the mechanisms underlying bioelectric phenomena in order to reveal their regulatory functions. We, therefore, investigated the stage-specific distribution patterns of V-ATPase components in relation to gap-junction proteins.ResultsWe analysed the localization of the V-ATPase components ductin (subunit c) and subunit a, and the gap-junction components innexins 2 and 3, especially in polar cells, border cells, stalk cells and centripetally migrating cells. These types of follicle cells had previously been shown to exhibit characteristic patterns of membrane channels as well as membrane potential and intracellular pH. Stage-specifically, ductin and subunit a were found either colocalized or separately enriched in different regions of soma and germ-line cells. While ductin was often more prominent in plasma membranes, subunit a was more prominent in cytoplasmic and nuclear vesicles. Particularly, ductin was enriched in polar cells, stalk cells, and nurse-cell membranes, whereas subunit a was enriched in the cytoplasm of border cells, columnar follicle cells and germ-line cells. Comparably, ductin and both innexins 2 and 3 were either colocalized or separately enriched in different cellular regions. While ductin often showed a continuous membrane distribution, the distribution of both innexins was mostly punctate. Particularly, ductin was enriched in polar cells and stalk cells, whereas innexin 2 was enriched in the oolemma, and innexin 3 in centripetally migrating follicle cells. In lateral follicle-cell membranes, the three proteins were found colocalized as well as separately concentrated in presumed gap-junction plaques.ConclusionsOur results support the notion of a large variety of gap junctions existing in the Drosophila ovary. Moreover, since ductin is the channel-forming part of a proton pump and, like the innexins, is able to form junctional as well as non-junctional membrane channels, a plethora of cellular functions could be realized by using these proteins. The distribution and activity patterns of such membrane channels are expected to contribute to developmentally important bioelectric signals.

Stalk cell differentiation without polyketides in the cellular slime mold.

Polyketides induce prestalk cell differentiation in Dictyostelium. In the double-knockout mutant of the SteelyA and B polyketide synthases, most of the pstA cells-the major part of the prestalk cells-are lost, and we show by whole mount in situ hybridization that expression of prestalk genes is also reduced. Treatment of the double-knockout mutant with the PKS inhibitor cerulenin gave a further reduction, but some pstA cells still remained in the tip region, suggesting the existence of a polyketide-independent subtype of pstA cells. The double-knockout mutant and cerulenin-treated parental Ax2 cells form fruiting bodies with fragile, single-cell layered stalks after cerulenin treatment. Our results indicate that most pstA cells are induced by polyketides, but the pstA cells at the very tip of the slug are induced in some other way. In addition, a fruiting body with a single-cell layered, vacuolated stalk can form without polyketides.

The Cytosolic NADPH Oxidase Subunit NoxO1 Promotes an Endothelial Stalk Cell Phenotype.

Reactive oxygen species generated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases contribute to angiogenesis and vascular repair. NADPH oxidase organizer 1 (NoxO1) is a cytosolic protein facilitating assembly of constitutively active NADPH oxidases. We speculate that NoxO1 also contributes to basal reactive oxygen species formation in the vascular system and thus modulates angiogenesis. A NoxO1 knockout mouse was generated, and angiogenesis was studied in cultured cells and in vivo. Angiogenesis of the developing retina and after femoral artery ligation was increased in NoxO1(-/-) when compared with wild-type animals. Spheroid outgrowth assays revealed greater angiogenic capacity of NoxO1(-/-) lung endothelial cells (LECs) and a more tip-cell-like phenotype than wild-type LECs. Usually signaling by the Notch pathway switches endothelial cells from a tip into a stalk cell phenotype. NoxO1(-/-) LECs exhibited attenuated Notch signaling as a consequence of an attenuated release of the Notch intracellular domain on ligand stimulation. This release is mediated by proteolytic cleavage involving the α-secretase ADAM17. For maximal activity, ADAM17 has to be oxidized, and overexpression of NoxO1 promoted this mode of activation. Moreover, the activity of ADAM17 was reduced in NoxO1(-/-) LECs when compared with wild-type LECs. NoxO1 stimulates α-secretase activity probably through reactive oxygen species-mediated oxidation. Deletion of NoxO1 attenuates Notch signaling and thereby promotes a tip-cell phenotype that results in increased angiogenesis.

Human iPSC-derived endothelial cell sprouting assay in synthetic hydrogel arrays

Activation of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) by growth factors initiates a cascade of events during angiogenesis in vivo consisting of EC tip cell selection, sprout formation, EC stalk cell proliferation, and ultimately vascular stabilization by support cells. Although EC functional assays can recapitulate one or more aspects of angiogenesis in vitro, they are often limited by undefined substrates and lack of dependence on key angiogenic signaling axes. Here, we designed and characterized a chemically-defined model of endothelial sprouting behavior in vitro using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells (iPSC-ECs). We rapidly encapsulated iPSC-ECs at high density in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel spheres using thiol-ene chemistry and subsequently encapsulated cell-dense hydrogel spheres in a cell-free hydrogel layer. The hydrogel sprouting array supported pro-angiogenic phenotype of iPSC-ECs and supported growth factor-dependent proliferation and sprouting behavior. iPSC-ECs in the sprouting model responded appropriately to several reference pharmacological angiogenesis inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor, NF-κB, matrix metalloproteinase-2/9, protein kinase activity, and β-tubulin, which confirms their functional role in endothelial sprouting. A blinded screen of 38 putative vascular disrupting compounds from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s ToxCast library identified six compounds that inhibited iPSC-EC sprouting and five compounds that were overtly cytotoxic to iPSC-ECs at a single concentration. The chemically-defined iPSC-EC sprouting model (iSM) is thus amenable to enhanced-throughput screening of small molecular libraries for effects on angiogenic sprouting and iPSC-EC toxicity assessment. Statement of SignificanceAngiogenesis assays that are commonly used for drug screening and toxicity assessment applications typically utilize natural substrates like MatrigelTM that are difficult to spatially pattern, costly, ill-defined, and may exhibit lot-to-lot variability. Herein, we describe a novel angiogenic sprouting assay using chemically-defined, bioinert poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels functionalized with biomimetic peptides to promote cell attachment and degradation in a reproducible format that may mitigate the need for natural substrates. The quantitative assay of angiogenic sprouting here enables precise control over the initial conditions and can be formulated into arrays for screening. The sprouting assay here was dependent on key angiogenic signaling axes in a screen of angiogenesis inhibitors and a blinded screen of putative vascular disrupting compounds from the US-EPA.

Transfer cells in trichomatous nectary in Adenocalymma magnificum (Bignoniaceae).

Transfer cells are specialized cells that play an important role where there are high energy costs due to facilitation of transmembrane flow of solutes. This study aimed to investigate the ontogenesis, histochemistry and ultrastructure of glandular trichomes focusing on stalk cells and their possible transfer function. Samples of prophylls of axillary buds, calyces of flowers in anthesis, and flower buds in different stages of development were collected, fixed and processed according to the common methods of microscopy. The glandular trichomes are composed of a secretory head with its cells in columnar format. The stalk is formed by two layers of cells, with the upper layer composed of cuboidal cells where the wall starts to thicken at the beginning of the pre-secretory phase. The secretion is heterogeneous, releasing glucose, other carbohydrates, lipids and phenolic compounds, with two types of release - eccrine and granulocrine. These trichomes are functionally termed as nectaries. The stalk cells appear as transfer cells since they have a thicker anticlinal wall with irregular ingrowths. The presence of transfer cells in the nectaries suggests a high specialization because it improves transport capacity of nectar and compensation in the high energy expenditure for its production and release.

Mathematical modelling of angiogenesis using continuous cell-based models.

In this work, we develop a mathematical formalism based on a 3D in vitro model that is used to simulate the early stages of angiogenesis. The model treats cells as individual entities that are migrating as a result of chemotaxis and durotaxis. The phenotypes used here are endothelial cells that can be distinguished into stalk and tip (leading) cells. The model takes into account the dynamic interaction and interchange between both phenotypes. Next to the cells, the model takes into account several proteins such as vascular endothelial growth factor, delta-like ligand 4, urokinase plasminogen activator and matrix metalloproteinase, which are computed through the solution of a system of reaction–diffusion equations. The method used in the present study is classified into the hybrid approaches. The present study, implemented in three spatial dimensions, demonstrates the feasibility of the approach that is qualitatively confirmed by experimental results.

Role of sulfatase 2 in lipoprotein metabolism and angiogenesis.

This article summarizes the current evidence to support a role of sulfatase 2 (SULF2) in triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) metabolism and angiogenesis. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) are involved in the hepatic clearance of TRLs in mice and in humans. Different genetically modified mouse models have been instrumental to provide evidence that syndecan1, the core protein of HSPG, but also the degree of sulfation of the heparin sulfate chain, attached to syndecan 1, is important for hepatic TRL metabolism. Studies in humans demonstrate the regulating role of SULF2 in the hepatic uptake of TRL by HSPG and demonstrate the importance of 6-O-sulfation, modulated by SULF2, for HSPG function. The role of SULF2 in angiogenesis is illustrated by increased SULF2 mRNA expression in the stalk cells of angiogenic vascular sprouts that use fatty acids derived from TRL as a source for biomass production. Interestingly, SULF2 also interferes with HSPG-vascular endothelial growth factor binding, which impacts upon the angiogenic properties of stalk cells. SULF2 is a multifaceted protein involved in TRL homeostasis and angiogenesis. Future investigations should focus on the potential benefits of targeting SULF2 in atherosclerosis and angiogenesis.

Oil-resin glands in Velloziaceae flowers: structure, ontogenesis and secretion

Many Velloziaceae flowers present conspicuous glands, whose taxonomic value has already been highlighted. However, until now, their micromorphology, anatomy and ultrastructure have not been investigated, nor have the natures and possible functions of their exudates. Our aim was to investigate distribution, ontogenesis, structure, and secretion mechanisms of glands of Barbacenia flava and Vellozia intermedia and to discuss their possible ecological functions. Samples were prepared according to standard methods for investigations of plant anatomy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Histochemical tests were performed, and focal field observations were made in the study site. The capitate stalked glands on the pedicel, tepals and hypanthium are covered by a sticky secretion that is released in the gland head through the outer periclinal cell walls and cuticle. Secretions are produced in the epidermal and subepidermal cells that contain structural components typical of mixed, mainly lipophilic secretions. Bacteria were found inside the oil-resin gland cells of both species. The Meliponina bees Trigona spinipes and Tetragonisca angustula were observed collecting resin from both species, but were not involved in pollination. Our observations clearly indicate that flower glands of B. flava and V. intermedia are oil-resin secreting and remain active in secretion from very young buds, through to immature fruit. New, smaller glands replace senescent glands by divisions near the base of the original stalk cells. Oil-resin glands have a number of different, but important functions, including the interaction with Meliponina bees, protection against water loss and high temperatures by ultraviolet screening, and anti-desiccant properties.

Single-Cell Metabolite Profiling of Stalk and Glandular Cells of Intact Trichomes with Internal Electrode Capillary Pressure Probe Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

In this report, we developed the pressure probe electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry with internal electrode capillary (IEC-PPESI-MS) which enables high spatial-resolution cell sampling, precise postsampling manipulation, and high detection sensitivity. Using this technique, a comparative in situ single-cell metabolite profiling of stalk and glandular cells, the two adjacent cell types comprising a trichome unit in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.), were performed to clarify the extent of metabolic differentiation between two cell types as well as among different types of trichomes. Owing to high sensitivity of the system, less than a picoliter cell sap from a single stalk cell sufficiently yielded a number of peaks of amino acids, organic acids, carbohydrates, and flavonoids. The minimal cell sap removal from a stalk cell without severe disturbance of trichome structure enabled sequential analysis of adjacent glandular cell on the same trichome, which showed the presence of striking differences in metabolite compositions between two adjacent cell types. Comparison among different types of trichome also revealed significant variations in metabolite profiles, particularly in flavonoids and acyl sugars compositions. Some metabolites were found only in specific cell types or particular trichome types. Although extensive metabolomics analysis of glandular cells of tomato trichomes has been previously documented, this is the first report describing cell-to-cell variations in metabolite compositions of stalk and glandular cells as well as in different trichome types. Further application of this technique may provide new insights into distinct metabolism in plant cells displaying variations in shape, size, function and physicochemical properties.

Three-Dimensional Characterization of Mechanical Interactions between Endothelial Cells and Extracellular Matrix during Angiogenic Sprouting.

We studied the three-dimensional cell-extracellular matrix interactions of endothelial cells that form multicellular structures called sprouts. We analyzed the data collected in-situ from angiogenic sprouting experiments and identified the differentiated interaction behavior exhibited by the tip and stalk cells. Moreover, our analysis of the tip cell lamellipodia revealed the diversity in their interaction behavior under certain conditions (e.g., when the heading of a sprout is switched approximately between the long-axis direction of two different lamellipodia). This study marks the first time that new characteristics of such interactions have been identified with shape changes in the sprouts and the associated rearrangements of collagen fibers. Clear illustrations of such changes are depicted in three-dimensional views.

Simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation (SAB) of diesel oil using immobilized Acinetobacter venetianus on porous material

This paper investigated modified bamboo charcoal (MBC) as a cheap, abundant and alternative cell immobilization matrix for biodegrading diesel oil. The immobilized microorganism’s degradation capacity was compared to its free form counterparts, namely planktonic and immobilized bacteria which degraded relatively high amounts of diesel oil (>80%). Acinetobacter venetianus immobilized on MBC demonstrated superior efficiency in degrading diesel oil (94%) compared to planktonic cells culture (82%) over a 3-day period. Moreover, the simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation of diesel oil using these immobilized cells fitted well to the pseudo second order (R2>0.99). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that through absorption, cells attached well to the cavum of MBC stalk cells. Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) revealed that a large number of bands at 1300–1500cm−1 existed, demonstrating that the diesel oil was degraded and new bands were formed. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrum (GC–MS) analysis indicated the immobilized cells could degrade diesel oil into esters and aldehydes. Results justified the applicability of MBC as the carrier matrix for immobilizing microorganisms in removing diesel oil compounds from industrial wastewater.