Abstract

This research focuses on cytoskeletal elements of frog olfactory axons, with emphasis on microtubules. The three-dimensional relationships between axoplasmic microtubules and neutrofiliments will be studied with the electron microscope. Cytochemical tests will be used on the ultrastructural level to localize ATPase activity in olfactory axons, and since some axons contain only neurofilaments and no microtubules, it will be of interest to see if these show ATPase activity distributed in the same manner as in axons containing both neurofilaments and microtubules. The substructure of isolated neurofilaments and neurofilaments in situ will be studied. Homogenates of olfactory nerve will be examined by SDS disc and slab gel electrophoresis to characterize the kinds of proteins present, particularly cytoskeletal proteins. Studies of the polarity of axonal microtubules will be continued, and these will involve the addition of soluble tubulin to preexisting microtubules as ribbon elements whose cross-sectional curvature indicates the polarity of the microtubules to which they are attached (ribbons either curve clockwise or counterclockwise). Finally, tracer studies will be used to test the hypothesis that bidirectional transport occurs in olfactory nerve axons, and these findings will be related to evidence regarding microtubule polarity.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM024992-21
Application #
3272715
Study Section
Cellular Biology and Physiology Subcommittee 1 (CBY)
Project Start
1978-06-01
Project End
1987-05-31
Budget Start
1986-06-01
Budget End
1987-05-31
Support Year
21
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
University of Kansas Lawrence
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
072933393
City
Lawrence
State
KS
Country
United States
Zip Code
66045