The network of actin filaments is one of the crucial cytoskeletal structures contributing to the morphological framework of a cell and which participates in the dynamic regulation of cellular functions. In adherent cell types, cells adhere to the substratum during interphase and spread to assume their characteristic shape supported by the actin cytoskeleton. This actin cytoskeleton is reorganiz...

Two continuous retinoblastoma cell lines were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Both cell lines spontaneously grow as a suspension of round cells in clusters, chains, and unique ring (rosette) formations. Scanning electron microscopy of suspension cells reveals some variation in the number and frequency of surface adornments such as blebs, lamellipodia, and microvilli. Although the cell...

We have developed a unique in vitro model that promotes differentiation of megakaryocytes into platelets. When megakaryocytes isolated from guinea pig bone marrow were cultured on hydrated rat tail collagen gels, cells spontaneously formed elongated, beaded processes that fragmented to yield cytoplasmic pieces with the same size and internal composition as individual platelets. Addition of noco...

Mouse lymphoma cells ($49) that grow in suspension culture were selected for increased tumorigenicity through continuous passages in syngeneic BALB/c mice. Developing tumors were classified as high grade malignant lymphoma, small noncleaved type. Variants were selected from these tumorigenic cells that were able to grow as a monolayer attached to their substrate, resembling, in this respect, fi...

The organisation of the actin cytoskeleton was examined in H9c2 and human intestinal smooth muscle cells adherent on fibronectin or thrombospondin-1. Whereas cells adherent on fibronectin adopted a polygonal shape and rapidly assembled prominent stress fibres and focal contacts, cells adherent on thrombospondin-1 assumed a more irregular morphology with large lamellae containing radial actin mi...

Murine melanoma cells readily bind and spread on murine laminin. Uncoupling of spreading from adhesion occurs when unglycosylated laminin is used as the cellular substratum; spreading is restored by soluble glycosylated laminin or soluble glycopeptides of laminin. In this study, using kifunensine, we produced and characterized an oligomannoside-rich glycoform of laminin. When used as a substrat...

Accepted 25 December 2006 Copyright © EEF ISSN 1399-1183 Limpets are one of the most abundant molluscs in rocky shores. However, the rocky shore is a harsh environment, considering the huge force and impact of waves against the rocks. Additionally, at each tidal cycle, limpets are out of water for considerable period of time, being therefore exposed to high temperature and desiccation stresses....

OBJECTIVE The aim of this in vitro study was to examine potential changes and influences of prosthetic resin surface properties on Candida albicans adhesion after surface treatment or artificial ageing. MATERIALS AND METHODS Standardized specimens of a denture base resin and a veneering composite were prepared, polished, and randomly subjected to different surface roughness treatments or arti...

We describe the properties of variant mouse fibroblasts selected for poor adhesion to growth substratum containing subcellular matrix accumulated by adherent cells at confluence. The variant cells adhere to virgin plastic and grow normally to confluence in the presence of serum. After subculture and reseeding onto the same surface the cells initially adhere, but after a further 2 days of growth...