Membrane-microtubule interactions: concanavalin A capping induced redistribution of cytoplasmic microtubules and colchicine binding proteins.

The relationship between microtubules and concanavalin A surface receptors during concanavalin A capping in primary cultures of rabbit ovarian granulosa cells was examined by electron microscopic and fluorescence labeling techniques. Cells treated with concanavalin A and hemocyanin at 4 degree or 37 degree and then incubated at 37 degree for 1 hr formed large juxtanuclear caps that were observed with shadow cast replicas of the cell surface. Thin section analysis of capped cells revealed an abundance of microtubules immediately beneath the cap which were arranged approximately perpendicular to the plane of the membrane. The capping process was unaffected by the antimicrotubule agents colchicine or vinblastine. Further, vinblastine treatment of capped calls resulted in the formation of numerous paracrystals that were confined to the cytoplasm underlying the capped region of the membrane; uncapped cells displayed paracrystals that were randomly dispersed in the cytoplasm. Exposure of fixed cells to fluorescein thiocarbamyl colchicine, which localizes colchicine binding proteins, revealed an intensely fluorescent region that corresponded to the cap; this staining pattern was absent in uncapped cells. These findings indicate that concanavalin A mediated capping modifies the cytoplasmic disposition of microtubules and colchicine binding proteins. Further, it is suggested that the capped region of the plasma membrane is a preferred site of microtubule polymerization.