Co-clustering of Golgi complex and other cytoplasmic organelles to crescentic region of half-moon nuclei during apoptosis

Cell Biol Int. 2009 Feb;33(2):148-57. doi: 10.1016/j.cellbi.2008.10.016. Epub 2008 Nov 1.

Abstract

Early apoptosis is defined by stereotypic morphological changes, especially evident in the nucleus, where chromatin condenses and compacts, and assumes a globular, half-moon or crescent-shaped morphology. Accumulating evidence suggests that cytoplasmic organelles such as mitochondria and the Golgi complex are major sites of integration of pro-apoptotic signaling. In this study, cytoplasmic organelles including Golgi complex, mitochondria, endosomes, lysosomes, and peroxisomes were shown to condense at the same unique region adjacent to the crescentic nucleus during a relatively early stage of apoptosis induced by staurosporine or other agents. The co-clustering phenomenon may be caused by shrinkage of cytoplasm during apoptosis although cytoskeletal markers actin and tubulin were not condensed and appeared excluded. These data suggest the co-clustering of cytoplasmic organelles plays an interesting role during the progression of the apoptotic process. It is possible that modification of pro-apoptotic proteins may arise as a result of the interplay of these cytoplasmic organelles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Nucleolus / drug effects
  • Cell Nucleolus / ultrastructure*
  • Golgi Apparatus / drug effects
  • Golgi Apparatus / ultrastructure*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Organelles / drug effects
  • Organelles / ultrastructure*
  • Staurosporine / pharmacology

Substances

  • Staurosporine