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Journal of Cell Science 115, 745-751 (2002)
© 2002 The Company of Biologists Limited

Research Article

Poly-{gamma}-glutamate synthesis during formation of nematocyst capsules in Hydra

Susanne Szczepanek, Mihai Cikala and Charles N. David

Zoologisches Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Luisenstr. 14, 80333 München, Germany

Author for correspondence (e-mail: david{at}zi.biologie.uni-muenchen.de )

Accepted 5 November 2001

Nematocysts are explosive organelles found in all Cnidaria. Explosion of nematocyst capsules is driven by the high pressure within the capsule formed by the high concentration of poly-{gamma}-glutamate in the capsule matrix. Poly-{gamma}-glutamate is a polyanion that binds cations tightly, including the fluorescent cationic dyes acridine orange and DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole). We have used acridine orange and DAPI staining to localize poly-{gamma}-glutamate within capsules and to follow the biosynthesis of poly-{gamma}-glutamate during capsule formation. The results indicate that poly-{gamma}-glutamate biosynthesis occurs late in capsule formation after invagination of the tubule and that it is accompanied by swelling of the capsule due to increasing osmotic pressure. The matrix in all four capsule types is homogeneously filled with poly-{gamma}-glutamate. In vivo this poly-{gamma}-glutamate is complexed with monovalent cations. In addition, poly-{gamma}-glutamate is formed within the tubule lumen of stenoteles. We argue that this poly-{gamma}-glutamate is required to drive the two-step explosion process in stenotele nematocysts.

Key words: Hydra, Nematocyst, Poly-{gamma}-glutamate, Acridine orange, DAPI




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© The Company of Biologists Ltd 2002