@article{ZentgrafTrendelenburgSpringetal.1979, author = {Zentgraf, Hanswalter and Trendelenburg, Michael F. and Spring, Herbert and Scheer, Ulrich and Franke, Werner W. and M{\"u}ller, Ulrike and Drury, Kenneth C. and Rungger, Duri}, title = {Mitochondrial DNA arranged into chromatin-like structures after injection into amphibian oocyte nuclei}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-33174}, year = {1979}, abstract = {Purified mitochondrial DNA (mitDNA) from ovaries ofXenopus lae vis was injected into the nuclei (germinal vesicles) of large viteUogenic oocytes of the same organism and examined by electron microscopy ofthe spread nuclear contents. Normally located nuclei of untreated oocytes as weil as peripherally translocated nuclei of centrifuged oocytes were used. In addition, oocyte nuclei isolated and incubated under liquid paraffin oil were injected with DNA. The integrity oftranscriptional structures of endogenous chromosomal (Iampbrush chromosomes) and extrachromosomal (nucleoli) genes of the injected nuclei was demonstrated. Microinjected mitDN A was identified as circles of chromatin exhibiting polynucleosome-like organization and a me an contour length of 2.6 J.Lm, corresponding to a compaction ratio of the mitDN A of about 2 : I. This DNA packing ratio is similar to that observed after preparation of various kinds of native chromatin in low salt buffers. The chromatin circles formed from injected mitDNA only very rarely exhibited lateral fibrils suggestive of transcriptional activity. These results suggest that purified mitDNA can be transformed to normally structured chromatin when exposed to oocyte nuclear contents but is rarely , if at all , transcribed in this form and in this environment.}, language = {en} } @article{ZentgrafScheerFranke1975, author = {Zentgraf, Hanswalter and Scheer, Ulrich and Franke, Werner W.}, title = {Characterization and localization of the RNA synthesized in mature avian erythrocytes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32410}, year = {1975}, abstract = {No abstract available}, language = {en} } @article{ZentgrafMuellerScheeretal.1981, author = {Zentgraf, H. and M{\"u}ller, U. and Scheer, Ulrich and Franke, W. W.}, title = {Evidence for the existence of globular units in the supranucleosomal organization of chromatin}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-34123}, year = {1981}, abstract = {No abstract available}, language = {en} } @article{WilkenKossnerSenecaletal.1993, author = {Wilken, Norbert and Kossner, Ursula and Sen{\´e}cal, Jean-Luc and Scheer, Ulrich and Dabauvalle, Marie-Christine}, title = {Nup180, a novel nuclear pore complex protein localizing to the cytoplasmic ring and associated fibrils}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32049}, year = {1993}, abstract = {No abstract available}, language = {en} } @article{WeisenbergerScheerBenavente1993, author = {Weisenberger, Dieter and Scheer, Ulrich and Benavente, Ricardo}, title = {The DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin blocks postmitotic reformation of nucleoli in mammmalian cells}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-41434}, year = {1993}, abstract = {No abstract available}, subject = {Cytologie}, language = {en} } @article{WeberSchmidtScheer1989, author = {Weber, Thomas and Schmidt, Erwin and Scheer, Ulrich}, title = {Mapping of transcription units on Xenopus laevis lampbrush chromosomes by in situ hybridization with biotin-labeled cDNA probes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-40763}, year = {1989}, abstract = {A non-radioactive in situ hybridization method is described for the localization of transcription units of defined genes to lateral loops of Xenopus laevis lampbrush chromosomes. Two Xenopus cONA probes were used encoding the nucleolar protein N038/ B23 and cytokeratin 1(8). Both proteins are known to be synthesized in Xenopus oocytes, and Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of the corresponding mRNAs in different oogenic stages. The probes were enzymatically labeled with biotin-dCTP and hybridized to lampbrush chromosomes. The sites of hybridization were detected either by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using rabbit antibodies against biotin and fluorescein-conjugated antirabbit IgG or enzymatically using peroxidase-conjugated streptavi din. The probe encoding the nucleolar protein hybridized to two sets of lateral loops on different bivalents, the cytokeratin probe to at least four. Our finding that each probe hybridized to more than one chromosomal locus may reflect the tetraploid nature of the Xenopus laevis genome or results from cross-hybridization to other transcriptionally active members of the N038/ B23-nucleoplasmin or the cytokeratin-Iamin gene families. The method described should facilitate further in situ hybridization studies with appropriate genomic clones in order to map specific DNA sequences to defined loop regions and to come to a better understanding of the relationship between loop organization and gene transcription unit.}, subject = {Cytologie}, language = {en} } @article{WeberOsbornFrankeetal.1977, author = {Weber, Klaus and Osborn, Mary and Franke, Werner W. and Seib, Erinita and Scheer, Ulrich and Herth, Werner}, title = {Identification of microtubular structures in diverse plant and animal cells by immunological cross-reaction revealed in immunofluorescence microscopy using antibodies against tubulin from porcine brain}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-41383}, year = {1977}, abstract = {Antibody against tubulin from porcine brain was used to evaluate the immunological cross reactivity of tubulin from a variety of animal and plant cells. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy revealed microtubule-containing structures including cytoplasmic microtubules, spindle microtubules, cilia and fIagella. Thus tubulin from diverse species of both mammals and plants show immunological cross-reactivity with tubulin from porcine brain. Results obtained by immunofluorescence microscopy are whenever possible compared with previously known ultrastructural results obtained by electron microscopy.}, subject = {Cytologie}, language = {en} } @article{TrendelenburgScheerZentgrafetal.1976, author = {Trendelenburg, Michael F. and Scheer, Ulrich and Zentgraf, Hanswalter and Franke, Werner W.}, title = {Heterogeneity of spacer lengths in circles of amplified ribosomal DNA of two insect species, Dytiscus marginalis and Acheta domesticus}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-33055}, year = {1976}, abstract = {No abstract available}, language = {en} } @article{TrendelenburgScheerFranke1973, author = {Trendelenburg, Michael F. and Scheer, Ulrich and Franke, W. W.}, title = {Structural organization of the transcription of ribosomal DNA in oocytes of the house cricket}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-33113}, year = {1973}, abstract = {No abstract available}, language = {en} } @article{TrendelenburgFrankeScheer1977, author = {Trendelenburg, Michael F. and Franke, Werner W. and Scheer, Ulrich}, title = {Frequencies of circular units of nucleolar DNA in oocytes of two insects, Acheta domesticus and Dytiscus marginalis, and changes of nucleolar morphology during oogenesis}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-41370}, year = {1977}, abstract = {The organization of the extrachromosomal nucleolar material in oocytes of two insect species with different ovary types, the house cricket Acheta domesticus (panoistic ovary) and the water beetle Dytiscus marginalis (meroistic ovary), was studied with light and electron microscopic techniques. Stages early in oogenesis were compared with fully vitellogenic stages (mid-to-Iate diplotene). The arrangement of the nucleolar material undergoes a marked change from a densely aggregated to a dispersed state. The latter was characterized by high transcriptional activity. In spread and positively stained preparations of isolated nucleolar material, a high frequency of small circular units of transcribed rDNA was observed and rings with small numbers (1-5) of pre-rRNA genes were predominant. The observations suggest that the "extra DNA body" observed in early oogenic stages of both species represents a dense aggregate of numerous short circular units of nucleolar chromatin, with morphological subcomponents identifiable in ultrathin sections. These apparently remain in close association with the chromosomal nucleolar organizer(s). The observations further indicate that the individual small nucleolar subunit circles dissociate and are dispersed as actively transcribed rDNA units later in diplotene. The results are discussed in relation to principles of the ultrastructural organization of nucleoli in other cell types as well as in relation to possible mechanisms of gene amplification.}, subject = {Zelldifferenzierung}, language = {en} } @article{ThiryScheerGoessens1988, author = {Thiry, Marc and Scheer, Ulrich and Goessens, Guy}, title = {Immunoelectron microscopic study of nucleolar DNA during mitosis in Ehrlich tumour cells}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-40745}, year = {1988}, abstract = {In order to investigate the DNA localization within Ehrlich tumor cell nucleoli during mitosis, two recent immunocytochemical methods using either an anti-DNA or an anti-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) monoclonal antibody have been applied. In both cases, the immunogold labeling has been performed on ultrathin sections of cells embedded either in Lowicryl K4M or in Epon, respectively. Identical results are observed with both immunocytochemical approaches. In the interphase nucleolus, besides the labeling of the perinucleolar chromatin shell and of its intranucleolar invaginations which penetrate into the nucleolar body and often terminate at the fibrillar centers, a few gold particles are also preferentially found towards the peripheral region of the fibrillar centers. In contrast, the dense fibrillar component and the granular component are never labeled. During mitosis, the fibrillar centers persist at the chromosomal nucleolus organizing regions (NOR's) and can be selectively stained by the silver method. However, these metaphase fibrillar centers are no longer decorated by the DNA- or BrdU antibodies. These results indicate that until the end of prophase, rRNA genes are present inside the fibrillar center material, disappear during metaphase and reappear in reconstituting nucleoli during telophase. Thus, fibrillar centers appear to represent structures sui generis, which are populated by rRNA genes only when the nucleolus is functionally active. In segregated nucleoli after actinomycin D treatment, the DNA labeling is exclusively restricted to the perinucleolar chromatin blocks. These findings also suggest that the DNA content of the fibrillar center material varies according to the rRNA transcription level of the cells. The results are discussed in the light of the present knowledge of the functional organization of the nucleolus.}, subject = {Cytologie}, language = {en} } @article{ThiryScheerGoessens1988, author = {Thiry, Marc and Scheer, Ulrich and Goessens, Guy}, title = {Localization of DNA within Ehrlich tumour cells nucleoli by immunoelectron microscopy}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-39327}, year = {1988}, abstract = {The distribution of DNA in Ehrlich tumour cell nucleoli was investigated by means of an immunocytochemical approach , involving a monoclonal antibody directed against double- and single-stranded DNA. Immunolabelling was performed . either before or after the embedding process. The postembedding labelling method allows better ultrastructural preservation than the preembedding labelling method. In particular, the various nucleolar components are well preserved and identifiable. In the nucleolus, labelling is particularly concentrated over the perinucleolar chromatin and over its intranucleolar invaginations, which penetrate the nucleolar body and often terminate at the fibrillar centres. In addition, aggregates of gold particles are found in the fibrillar centres, preferentially towards the peripheral regions. By contrast, the dense fibrillar component is completely devoid of labelling. The results seem to indicate that DNA containing the rDNA genes is located in the fibrillar centres, with a preference for the peripheral regions. This finding suggests that transcription of the rDNA genes should occur within the confines of the fibrillar centre, probably close to the boundary region of the surrounding dense fibrillar component. The results are discussed in the light of present knowledge of the functional organization of the nucleolus.}, language = {en} } @article{ThiryScheerGoessens1991, author = {Thiry, Marc and Scheer, Ulrich and Goessens, Guy}, title = {Localization of nucleolar chromatin by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization at the electron microscopic level}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-39289}, year = {1991}, abstract = {Nucleoli are the morphological expression of the activity of a defined set of chromosomal segments bearing rRNA genes. The topological distribution and composition of the intranucleolar chromatin as well as the definition of nucleolar structures in which enzymes of the rDNA transcription machinery reside have been investigated in mammalian cells by various immunogold labelling approaches at the ultrastructural level. The precise intranucleolar location of rRNA genes has been further specified by electron microscopic in situ hybridization with a non-autoradiographic procedure. Our results indicate that the fibrillar centers are the sole nucleolar structures where rDNA, core histones, RNA polymerase I and DNA to po isomerase I are located together. Taking into account the potential value and limitations of immunoelectron microscopic techniques, we propose that transcription of the rRNA genes takes place within the confines of the fibrillar centers, probably close to the boundary regions to the surrounding dense fibrillar component.}, language = {en} } @article{SpringTrendelenbrugScheeretal.1974, author = {Spring, Herbert and Trendelenbrug, Michael F. and Scheer, Ulrich and Franke, Werner W. and Herth, Werner}, title = {Structural and biochemical studies of the primary nucleus of two green algal species, Acetabularia mediterranea and Acetabularia major}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-40600}, year = {1974}, abstract = {Primary (giant) nuclei of the green algae Acetabularia mediterranea and A. major were studied by light and electron microscopy using in situ fixed material as well as manually isolated nuclear components. In addition, cytochemical reactions of nuclear structures and biochemical determinations of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA and of genome DNA content were performed. The data obtained and the structures observed are interpreted as demonstralions of transcriptional activities of different gene classes. The most prominent class is the nucleolar cistrons of precursors of ribosomal RNA which occur highly repeated in clusters in the form of regularly alternating intercepts on deoxyribonucleoprotein axes of transcribed rDNA, the fibril-covered matrix units, and the fibril-free "spacer" segments. A description and a classification of the various structural complexes which seem to represent transcriptional activities is given. Quantitative evaluations of these arrangements are presented. The morphology and the dimensions of such structures are compared with the RNA molecular weight determinations and with the corresponding data reported from various animal cell systems. It is suggested that the formation of the giant nucleus is correlated with, and probably due to, an enormous amplification of transcriptionally active rDNA and packing of the extrachromosomal copies into the large nucleolar aggregate bodies.}, subject = {Cytologie}, language = {en} } @article{SpringScheerFrankeetal.1975, author = {Spring, Herbert and Scheer, Ulrich and Franke, Werner W. and Trendelenburg, Michael F.}, title = {Lampbrush type chromosomes in the primary nucleus of the green alga Acetabularia mediterranea}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32370}, year = {1975}, abstract = {No abstract available}, language = {en} } @article{SpringKrohneFrankeetal.1976, author = {Spring, Herbert and Krohne, Georg and Franke, Werner W. and Scheer, Ulrich and Trendelenburg, Michael F.}, title = {Homogeneity and heterogeneity of sizes of transcriptional units and spacer regions in nucleolar genes of Acetabularia}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-41398}, year = {1976}, abstract = {The arrangement of genes of precursor molecules for ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) in primary nuclei from two green algae species, Acetabularia mediterranea and A. major, has been analyzed in an electron microscope study. The pattern of transcriptional units in individual strands of nucleolar chromatin was investigated using spread and positively stained preparations. The rDNA pattern is not uniform but differs in different strands. The predominant type of nucleolar chromatin exhibits a high degree of homogeneity in the sequence of matrix units (intercepts covered with fibrilst hat contain the pre-rRNA) and fibril-free spacer intercepts. Substantial differences, however, are observed between the patterns in different strands. In addition, there is evidence in some strands for intraaxial heterogeneity of both spacer and matrix units. The following major types can be distinguished: type la, ca. 2 micrometer long matrix units, extremely short spacer intercepts in A. mediterranea (ca. 1 micrometer long ones in A. major), completely homogeneous distribution; type Ib, as type la but with intercalated, isolated, significantly shorter and/or longer matrix units; type lIa, matrix unit sizes as in type la, but much longer spacer intercepts, high degree of homogeneity; type Ill, largely heterogeneous arrangements of matrix and spacer units of varying sizes. The matrix unit data are compared with the sizes of pre-rRNA as determined by polyacrylamide gelelectrophoresis under denaturing and non-denaturing conditions. The findings are discussed in relation to recent observations in amphibia and insects and with respect to current concepts of the species-specificity of rDNA arrangements.}, language = {en} } @article{SommervilleScheer1982, author = {Sommerville, John and Scheer, Ulrich}, title = {Transcription of complementary repeat sequences in amphibian oocytes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-33915}, year = {1982}, abstract = {Repeat sequences are transcribed in the germinal vesicles of amphibian oocytes. In the hnRNA population both complements of the repeats are found and can be readily detected because they form intermolecular duplex structures. The structure and formation of duplex regions have been studied in the hnRNA of Xenopus laevis, Triturus cristatus, Amphiuma means and Necturus maculosus, a series of amphibians of increasing genome size (C-value). In T. cristatus, the duplex structures are mostly 600- 1200 bp in length, whereas in X. laevis they are shorter and in N. maculosus they tend to be longer. Although the proportion of RNA sequence capable of rapidly forming duplex structures is different in different organisms, this property bears no relationship to C-value. However the sequence complexity of complementary repeats, as estimated from the rate of duplex formation, does show an increasing trend with C-value. The complementary repeats found in oocyte hnRNA are transcribed from families of DNA sequence that are each represented in the genome by thousands of copies. The extent of cross-species hybridization is low, indicating that the repeat sequences transcribed in different amphibian genera are not the same. In situ hybridization experiments indicate that the repeat sequences are spread throughout the genome. The evolution and possible function of complementary repeats are considered.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerZentgrafSauer1981, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Zentgraf, Hanswalter and Sauer, Helmut W.}, title = {Different chromatin structures in Physarum polycephalum: a special form of transcriptionally active chromatin devoid of nucleosomal particles}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-33148}, year = {1981}, abstract = {Nonnucleolar chromatin from interphase nuclei of Physarum polycephalum plasmodia occurs in two different structural configurations as seen in electron microscopic spread preparations. While the majority of the chromatin is devoid of nascent ribonucleoprotein (RNP) fibrils and compacted into nucleosomal particles, a minor proportion (10- 20\%) is organized differently and reveals a smooth contour. It is this form of smooth chromatin which is rich in transcription units (mean length: 1.36±0.21 11m). Only occasionally are solitary nascent RNP fibrils observed which are associated with beaded strands of chromatin. In transcribed smooth chromatin nucleosomal particles are not only absent from the transcription units but also from their nontranscribed flan king regions, indicating that this special structural aspect is not merely a direct consequence of the transcriptional process. The existence of ca. 10- 20\% of Physarum chromatin in the smoothly contoured form is discussed in relation to reports of a preferential digestibility of a similar proportion of Physarum chromatin by DNAse I (Jalouzot et al. , 1980) and to the altered configuration of "peak A" chromatin subunits after micrococcal nuclease digestion (Johnson et al., 1978a, b).}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerZentgraf1978, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Zentgraf, Hanswalter}, title = {Nucleosomal and supranucleosomal organization of transcriptionally inactive rDNA circles in Dytiscus oocytes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-33188}, year = {1978}, abstract = {Oocytes of the water beetle, Dytiscus marginalis, contain large amounts of rDNA most of which is present in the form of rings containing one or several pre-rRNA genes. Electron microscopy of spread preparations of vitellogenic oocytes has shown that the rDNA is extended in chromatin rings with transcribed pre- rRNA genes and is not packed into nucleosomes (Trendelenburg eta!. , 1976). When similar preparations are made from previtellogenic ooytes in which a large proportion of the nuc1eolar chromatin is transcriptionally inactive, a different morphological form of this chromatin is recognized. In contrast to the transcribed chromatin rings the inactive nucleolar chromatin circles show the characteristic beaded configuration, indicative of nucleosomal packing. Nuc1eosomal packing is also indicated by the comparison of the lengths of these chromatin rings with both iso lated rDNA circ1es and transcribed chromatin rings. In addition, these inactive nuc1eofilaments often appear to be compacted into globular higher order structures of diameters from 21 to 34nm, each composed of an aggregate of 6-9 nuc1eosomes. While the estimated reduction of the overall length of rDNA, as seen in our preparations, is, on the average, only 2.2 - 2.4 fold in the nuc1eosomal state it is 10- 13 fold when supranuc1eosomal globules are present. These data show that the extrachromosomal rDNA of these oocytes goes through a cycle of condensation and extensio n, as a function of the specific transcriptional activity, and that the beaded state described here is exc1usively found in the non-transcribed state.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerWeisenberger1994, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Weisenberger, Dieter}, title = {The nucleolus}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32037}, year = {1994}, abstract = {No abstract available}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerTrendelenburgKrohneetal.1977, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Trendelenburg, Michael F. and Krohne, Georg and Franke, Werner W.}, title = {Lengths and patterns of transcriptional units in the amplified nucleoli of oocytes of Xenopus laevis}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-33069}, year = {1977}, abstract = {Transcriptionally active chromatin from peripheral amplified nuc1eoli of lampbrush-chromosome stage oocytes of Xenopus laevis was dispersed and spread in various solutions of low salt concentrations (incIuding some with additions of detergents) and examined by electron microscopy. Nucleolar material from oocytes of animals with normal (2-nu) and mutant (I-nu) genetical constitution of nucleolus organizers was compared. Histograms showing the distributions of the lengths of matrix units, apparent spacer intercepts, and the total repeating units of the rDNA containing chromatin axes revealed a significant degree of heterogeneity, with indications of subclasses and predominant repeat unit size c1asses of 3.3 and 3.8 11m length. The correspondence of matrix unit length to the molecular weight of the first stable product of rDNA transcription was studied using gel electrophoresis of labelIed pre-rRNA under non-denaturing and denaturing conditions. Evaluations of individual strands of nucleolar chromatin furt her demonstrated the existence of both (i) strands with obviously homogeneous repeating units and (ii) strands with intra-axial heterogeneity of rDNA subunits. " Preludecomplexes ", i.e. groups of transcriptional complexes in apparent spacer intercepts, were not infrequently noted. The data are compared with the measurements of lengths of repeating units in fragments of rDNA obtained by digestion with EcoRI endonuclease as described by Morrow et al. (1974) and Wellauer et al. (1974, 1976a, b). The results are discussed in relation to problems of variations in the modes of arrangement of the pre-rRNA genes, the state of packing of rDNA during transcription, and possible mechanisms of the amplification process.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerTrendelenburgFranke1976, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Trendelenburg, Michael F. and Franke, Werner W.}, title = {Regulation of transcription of genes of ribosomal RNA during amphibian oogenesis: a biochemical and morphological study}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32814}, year = {1976}, abstract = {Natural changes in the transcription of rRNA genes were studied in nucleoli from three oogenic stages of the newt Triturus alpestris with electron microscope, autoradiographic, and biochemical techniques. From determinations of the uridine triphosphate pool sizes and [3H]uridine uptake, phosphorylation, and incorporation into 28S and 18S rRNAs in vivo it was estimated that the rate of rRNA synthesis was about 0.01\% in previtellogenic oocytes and 13\% in mature oocytes when compared to midvitellogenesis. Spread preparations of nucleoli showed significant morphological changes in the transcriptional complexes. The total number of lateral fibrils, i.e., ribonucleoproteins containing the nascent rRNA precursor, were drastically decreased in stages of reduced synthetic activity. This indicates that rRNA synthesis is regulated primarily at the level of transcription. The resulting patterns of fibril coverage of the nucleolar chromatin axes revealed a marked heterogeneity. On the same nucleolar axis occurred matrix units that were completely devoid of lateral fibrils, matrix units that were almost fully covered with lateral fibrils, and various forms of matrix units with a range of lateral fibril densities intermediate between the two extremes. Granular particles that were tentatively identified as RNA polymerase molecules were not restricted to the transcription l complexes. They were observed, although less regularly and separated by greater distances, in untranscribed spacer regions as well as in untranscribed gene intercepts. The results show that the pattern of transcriptional control of rRNA genes differs widely in different genes, even in the same genetic unit.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerTrendelenburgFranke1973, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Trendelenburg, Michael F. and Franke, Werner W.}, title = {Transcription of ribosomal RNA cistrons: Correlation of morphological and biochemical data}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32195}, year = {1973}, abstract = {Electron microscopic spread preparations of oocyte nucleoli (lampbrush stage) of various amphibians are quantitatively evaluated and the length distributions of repeat-, matrix-, and spacer-units along the rRNA cistron containing axes are given. The correlation of the matrix unit data with the gel electrophoretic pattern of labelled nuclear RNA from the same oocytes is examined. The mean value of the matrix unit corresponds fairly well to a 2.6 million D peak of pre-rRNA but the distribution of both matrix units and labelled pre-rRNAs shows an asymmetrical heterogeneity indicating the existence of some larger primary transcription products of rDNA. Novel structural aspects are described in the spacer regions which suggest that transcription does also take place in DNP regions between the matrix units. A special "prelude piece" coding for approx. 0.5 million D of RNA is frequently visualized in the spacer segments at the beginning of a matrix unit. Possible artifacts resulting from the preparation, the relative congruence between the data obtained using both methods, and the functional meaning of the findings are discussed against the background of current concepts of structural organization and transcription products of nucleolar DNA.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerSommervilleMueller1980, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Sommerville, John and M{\"u}ller, Ulrike}, title = {DNA is assembled into globular supranucleosomal chromatin structures by nuclear contents of amphibian oocytes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-39671}, year = {1980}, abstract = {The assembly of DNA into nucleosomal and supranucleosomal chromatin structures has been studied (i) by injection of circular DNA molecules (plasmids) into nuclei of Pleurodeles waltlii oocytes; and (ii) by in vitro incubation of plasmid molecules with the supernatant fraction from oocyte nuclei of Pleurodeles and Xenopus laevis, followed by purification of nucleoprotein structures formed with sucrose gradient centrifugation. [n both types of experiments , spread preparations of the newly assembled and transcriptionally inactive chromatin , examined by electron microscopy , show dense globular higher order (supranucleosomal) packing forms. Under partially relaxing (low salt) preparation conditions granular chromatin subunits of about 30 nm diameter can be seen either as widely spaced particles or in closely packed aggregates. The transcriptionally inactive endogenous chromatin of chromomeres of lampbrush chromosomes is arranged in similar higher order chromatin units. A correlation is found between the sizes of the DN A molecule probes used and the numbers of nucleosomes and higher order globules in the assembled chromatin structures. After prolonged dispersion in low salt buffers , these globular chromatin units unfold into chains of7-12 nucleosomes. The results support the concept that chromatin is arranged , under physiological ion concentrations as they are present in the nucleus , in supranucleosomal units of globular morphology.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerSommervilleBustin1979, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Sommerville, John and Bustin, M.}, title = {Injected histone antibodies interfere with transcription of lampbrush chromosome loops in oocytes of Pleurodeles}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-33166}, year = {1979}, abstract = {Antibodies to calf thymus histone H2B were purified by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and injected into oocyte nuclei of Pleurodeles waltlii. As shown by indirect immunofluorescence these antibodies cross-reacted strongly with corresponding histones associated with lampbrush chromosomes. Shortly after injection the lateral loops of the chromosomes retracted into the chromomeres and by 3 h postinjection the 'lampbrush' appearance was completely lost and the chromosomes appeared in light-microscopic preparations as rod-like structures consisting of 10ngitudina11y coalesced chromomeres. In control oocytes injected with non-immune immunoglobulins or antibodies against a ubiquitous transcript-associated protein no morphological alterations of the lampbrush chromosomes could be observed. Electron microscopic spreads of chromosomes prepared at various times after injection of anti-H2B revealed a progressive loss of transcriptional complexes from the loop axes. Finally, higher-order chromatin configurations, like supranuc1eosomal globules (' superbeads ') or cable-like chromatin strands 50- 60 nm thick predominated, indicating complete transcriptional inactivation of a11 chromosomal regions. The results indicate that H2B antibodies react specifically with his tones associated with the transcribed DNA of lateral loops in their native state. The resulting antigenantibody complexes seem to inhibit progression of the R A polymerases along the template, thus causing the premature release of transcripts, a process analogous to the stripping effect of actinomycin D. The demonstration of histones associated with heavily transcribed regions, which are not compacted into nucleosomes but largely extended, supports the current concept that unfolding of nucleosomes to a110w transcription of the DNA does not involve dissociation of histones. In contrast, amplified ribosomal RNA genes are unaffected by injected HzB antibodies. This does not necessarily indicate absence of his tones from nucleolar chromatin, since we do not know whether it is accessible in vivo to antibodies or whether the histone antigenie determinants are masked by the presence of other proteins. The technique of injecting specific antibodies should be widely applicable when analysing the in vivo distribution of chromosomal components at the electron-microscopic level and when studying complex metabolie processes, like the cleavage and modification of RNA, by selective inhibition of defined enzymic steps.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerSommerville1982, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Sommerville, John}, title = {Sizes of chromosome loops and hnRNA molecules in oocytes of amphibia of different genome sizes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-33094}, year = {1982}, abstract = {The lengths of lampbrush chromosome loops and their tran scription units show a positive correlation with genome size in oocytes of amphibia with different C values. However, there is no such correlation with contour lengths of hnRNA molecu les isolated from these oocytes. These results indi cate th at more ON A sequences are transcribed in amphibia of higher C value , but that processing of RNA transc ripts occurs while they are still attached to the chromosomes as nascent ribonucleoprotein fibrils.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerSommerville1981, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Sommerville, J.}, title = {Structural organization of nascent transcripts and hnRNA molecules in amphibian oocytes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-39765}, year = {1981}, abstract = {Comparisons ofrelative lengths oflampbrush loops, nascent RNP transcripts and hnRNA molecules from oocytes of amphibia with different C-values show that there is an increasing trend in loop, and transcriptional unit, length with increase in genome size but no increasing trend with respect to RN A contour length.The formation of duplex regions and circles in RNP fibrils indicates that RNA processing may occur within the nascent fibrils. The hnRNA molecules from oocytes of the various amphibia readily form intermolecular duplex structures. These complementary sequences have a low kinetic complexity and are transcribed from highly repetitive sequences distributed throughout the genome. Their possible function is considered.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerSchmidtZachmannHuegleetal.1984, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Schmidt-Zachmann, Marion S. and H{\"u}gle, Barbara and Franke, Werner W.}, title = {Identification and localization of a novel nucleolar protein of a high molecular weight by a monoclonal antibody}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-39786}, year = {1984}, abstract = {A monoclonal murine antibody (No-I 14) is described which reacts specifically with a polypeptide of molecular weight (M,) 180000 present in low-speed nuclear pellets from oocytes and somatic cells of Xenopus laevis and X. borealis and in isolated amplified nucleoli. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis has revealed the acidic nature of this polypeptide (isoelectric at pH of ca 4.2 in the presence of 9.5 M urea). A relatively large proportion of the protein is extracted at elevated ionic strength( i.e., at 0.4-0.5 M alkali salt) in a form sedimenting at approx. 7-8S , compatible with a monomeric state. It is also extracted by digestion with RNase but not with DNase. In immunofluorescence microscopy, antibody No-114 stains intensely nucleoli of oocytes and all somatic cells examined , including the residual nucleolar structure of Xenopus erythrocytes which are transcriptionally inactive. During mitosis the antigen does not remain associated with the nucleolar organizer regions (NOR) of chromosomes but is released and dispersed over the cytoplasm until telophase when it re-associates with the reforming interphase nucleoli. At higher resolution the immunofluorescent region is often resolved into a number of distinct subnucleolar components of varied size and shape. Immunoelectron microscopy using colloidal gold-coupled secondary antibodies reveals that the M, 180000 protein is confined to the dense fibrillar component of the nucleolus. This conclusion is also supported by its localization in the fibrillar part of segregated nucleoli of cells treated with actinomycin D. We conclude that nucleoli contain a prominent protein of M, 180000 which contributes to the general structure of the dense fibrillar component of the interphase nucleolus , independent of its specific transcriptional activity.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerRaska1987, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Raska, I.}, title = {Immunocytochemical localization of RNA polymerase I in the fibrillar centers of nucleoli}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-39618}, year = {1987}, abstract = {No abstract available}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerMessnerHazanetal.1987, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Messner, Karin and Hazan, Rachel and Raska, Ivan and Hansmann, Paul and Falk, Heinz and Spiess, Eberhard and Franke, Werner W.}, title = {High sensitivity immunolocalization of double and single-stranded DNA by a monoclonal antibody}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-41063}, year = {1987}, abstract = {A monoclonal antibody (AK 30-10) is described which specifically reacts with DNA both in double and single-stranded forms but not with other molecules and structures, including deoxyribonucleotides and RNAs. When used in immunocytochemical experiments on tissue sections and permeabilized cultured cells, this antibody detects DNA-containing structures, even when the DNA is present in very small amounts. Examples of high resolution detection include the DNA present in amplified extrachromosomal nucleoli, chromomeres of lampbrush chromosomes, mitochondria, chloroplasts and mycoplasmal particles. In immunoelectron microscopy using the immunogold technique, the DNA was localized in distinct substructures such as the "fibrillar centers" of nucleoli and certain stromal centers in chloroplasts. The antibody also reacts with DNA of chromatin of living cells, as shown by microinjection into cultured mitotic cells and into nuclei of amphibian oocytes. The potential value and the limitations of immunocytochemical DNA detection are discussed.}, subject = {Cytologie}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerLanfranchiRoseetal.1983, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Lanfranchi, Gerolamo and Rose, Kathleen M. and Franke, Werner W. and Ringertz, Nils R.}, title = {Migration of rat RNA polymerase I into chick erythrocyte nuclei undergoing reactivation in chick-rat heterokaryons}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-33232}, year = {1983}, abstract = {Transcriptionally inactive chick erythrocyte nudei were reactivated by Sendai virusinduced fusion of erythrocytes with rat L6j1 myoblasts. We used antibodies to trace the appearance of a specific protein engaged in transcription of a defined dass of genes, those coding for rRNA, during reactivation. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we found increasing amounts of rat RNA polymerase I to appear, during a certain period of time after fusion, in the reforming nudeoli of the chick nudei. Amounts of rat RNA polymerase I sufficient to be detected by immunofluorescence microscopy had accumulated in the newly developed chick nudeoli 72- 190 h after fusion was initiated. This time interval coincides with the time when chick rRNA synthesis can first be detected. The results raise the possibility that during these stages of the reactivation process chick rRNA genes are transcribed by heterologous RNA polymerase I moleeules of rat origin.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerKartenbeckTrendelenburgetal.1976, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Kartenbeck, J{\"u}rgen and Trendelenburg, Michael F. and Stadler, Joachim and Franke, Werner W.}, title = {Experimental disintegration of the nuclear envelope: evidence for pore-connecting fibrils}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-39735}, year = {1976}, abstract = {The disintegration of the nuclear envelope has been examined in nuclei and nuclear envelopes isolated from amphibian oocytes and rat liver tissue, using different electron microscope techniques (ultrathin sections and negatively or positively stained spread preparations). Various treatments were studied, including disruption by surface tension forces, very low salt concentrations, and non ionic detergents such as Triton X-lOO and Nonidet P-40. The high local stability of the cylinders of nonmembranous pore complex material is emphasized. As progressive disintegration occurred in the membrane regions, a network of fibrils became apparent which interconnects the pore complexes and is distinguished from the pore complexassociated intranuclear fibrils. This network might correspond to an indistinct lamella, about 15 - 20 nm thick, located at the level of the inner nuclear membrane, which is recognized in thin sections to bridge the interpore distances. With all disintegration treatments a somewhat higher susceptibility of the outer nuclear membrane is notable, but a selective removal does not take place. Final stages of disintegration are generally characterized by the absence of identifiable, membrane- like structures. Analysis of detergent-treated nuclei and nuclear membrane fractions shows almost complete absence of lipid components but retention of significant amount of glycoproteins with a typical endomembrane-type carbohydrate pattern. Various alternative interpretations of these observations are discussed. From the present observations and those of Aaronson and Blobel (1,2), we favor the notion that threadlike intrinsic membrane components are stabilized by their attachment to the pore complexes, and perhaps also to peripheral nuclear structures, and constitute a detergent-resistant, interpore skeleton meshwork.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerHuegleHazanetal.1984, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and H{\"u}gle, Barbara and Hazan, Rachel and Rose, Kathleen M.}, title = {Drug-induced dispersal of transcribed rRNA genes and transcriptional products: Immunolocalization and silver staining of different nucleolar components in rat cells treated with 5,6-dichloro-1-Beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-33216}, year = {1984}, abstract = {Upon incubation of cultured rat cells with the adenosine analogue 5,6-dichloro-l-\&\#946;- D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB), nucleoli reversibly dissociate into their substructures, disperse throughout the nuclear interior, and form nucleolar "necklaces". We have used this experimental system, which does not inhibit transcription of the rRNA genes, to study by immunocytochemistry the distribution of active rRNA genes and their transcriptional products during nucleolar dispersal and recovery to normal morphology. Antibodies to RNA polymerase I allow detection of template-engaged polymerase, and monoclonal antibodies to a ribosomal protein (S 1) of the small ribosomal subunit permit localization of nucleolar preribosomal particles. The results show that, under the action of DRB transcribed rRNA, genes spread throughout the nucleoplasm and finally appear in the form of several rows, each containing several (up to 30) granules positive for RNA polymerase land argyrophilic proteins. Nucleolar material containing preribosomal particles also appears in granular structures spread over the nucleoplasm but its distribution is distinct from that of rRNA gene-containing granules. We conclude that, although transcriptional units and preribosomal particles are both redistributed in response to DRB, these entities retain their individuality as functionally defined subunits. We further propose that each RNA polymerase-positive granular unit represents a single transcription unit and that each continuous array of granules ("string of nucleolar beads") reflects the linear distribution of rRNA genes along a nucleolar organizer region. Based on the total number of polymerase I-positive granules we estimate that a minimum of 60 rRNA genes are active during interphase of DRB-treated rat cells.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerHinssenFrankeetal.1984, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Hinssen, Horst and Franke, Werner W. and Jockusch, Brigitte M.}, title = {Microinjection of actin-binding proteins and actin antibodies demonstrates involvement of nuclear actin in transcription of lampbrush chromosomes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-39706}, year = {1984}, abstract = {Nuclei of amphibian oocytes contain large amounts of actin, mostly in unpolymerized or short-polymer form. When antibodies to actin or actin-binding proteins (fragmin and the actin modulator from mammalian smooth muscle) are injected into nuclei of living oocytes of Pleurodeles waltlii, transcription of the lampbrush chromosomes, but not of the rRNA genes, is inhibited. When transcription is repressed by drugs or RNA is digested by microinjection of RNAase into oocyte nuclei, an extensive meshwork of actin filament bundles is seen in association with the isolated lampbrush chromosomes. These observations indicate a close relationship between the state of nuclear actin and transcriptional activity and suggest that nuclear actin may be involved in transcriptional events concerning protein-coding genes.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerHansmannFalketal.1986, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Hansmann, Paul and Falk, Heinz and Sitte, Peter}, title = {Ultrastructural localization of DNA in two Cryptomonas species by use of a monoclonal DNA-antibody}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-39746}, year = {1986}, abstract = {Immunogold cytochemistry - DNA localization - Cryptomonas nucleomorph The distribution and subcellular localization of DNA in the unicellular alga Cryptomonas has been investigated electron-microscopically by indirect immunocytochemistry, using a monoclonal DNA antibody and a gold-Iabeled secondary antibody. This technique proved to be very sensitive and entirely specific. DNA could be demonstrated in four different compartments (nucleus, nucleomorph, plastid, and mitochondrion). Within the plastid, DNA is concentrated in stroma regions that are localized preferentially around the center of the organelle. The mitochondrion contains several isolated DNA-containing regions (nucleoids). Within the nucleus, most of the DNA is localized in the 'condensed' chromatin. DNA was also detectable in small areas of the nucleolus, whereas the interchromatin space of the nucleus appeared almost devoid of DNA. Within the nucleomorph, DNA is distributed inhomogeneously in the matrix. DNA could furthermore be detected in restricted areas of the 'fibrillogranular body' of the nucleomorph, resembling the situation encountered in the nucleol us. The presence of DNA and its characteristic distribution in the nucleomorph provide additional, strong evidence in favour of the interpretation of that organelle as the residual nucleus of a eukaryotic endosymbiont in Cryptomonas.}, subject = {Cytologie}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerFrankeTrendelenburgetal.1976, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Franke, Werner W. and Trendelenburg, Michael F. and Spring, Herbert}, title = {Classification of loops of lampbrush chromosomes according to the arrangement of transcriptional complexes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32822}, year = {1976}, abstract = {The arrangement of transcriptional units in the loops of lampbrush chromosomes from oocyte nuclei of urodele amphibia and from primary nuclei of the green alga Acetabularia have been studied in the electron microscope using spread preparations. Loops with different patterns of arrangement of matrix units (i.e. to a first approximation, transcriptional units) can be distinguished: (i) loops consisting of one active transcriptional unit; (ii) loops containing one active transcriptional unit plus additional fibril-free, i.e. apparently untranscribed, intercepts that may include 'spacer' regions; (iii) loops containing two or more transcriptional units arranged in identical or changing polarities, with or without interspersed apparent spacer regions. Morphological details of the transcriptional complexes are described. The observations are not compatible with the concept that one loop reflects one and only one transcriptional unit but, rather, lead to a classification of loop types according to the arrangement of their transcriptional units. We propose that the lampbrush chromosome loop can represent a unit for the coordinate transcription of either one gene or a set of several (different) genes.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerFrankeTrendelenburg1975, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Franke, Werner W. and Trendelenburg, Michael F.}, title = {Effects of actinomycin D on the association of newly formed ribonucleoproteins with the cistrons of ribosomal RNA in Triturus oocytes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32383}, year = {1975}, abstract = {No abstract available}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerFranke1972, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Franke, Werner W.}, title = {Annulate lamellae in plant cells: formation during microsporogenesis and pollen development in Canna generalis Bailey}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32160}, year = {1972}, abstract = {The occurrence of stacked annulate tamellae is documented for a plant cell system, namely for pollen mother cells and developing pollen grains of Canna generalis. Their structural subarchiteeture and relationship to endoplasmie reticulum (ER) and nuclear envelope cisternae is described in detail. The results demonstrate structural homology between plant and animal annulate lamellae and are compatible with, though do not prove, the view that annulate lamcllar cisternae may originate as a degenerative form of endoplasmic retieulum.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerFranke1969, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Franke, Werner W.}, title = {Negative staining and adenosine triphosphatase activity of annulate lamellae of newt oocytes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32087}, year = {1969}, abstract = {Semi -iso la ted annul a te lamellae were prepared from single newt oocy tes (Triturus alpestris) by a modified Call a n-T omlin technique. Such preparations were examined with the electron mi croscope, and the negative sta ining a ppearance of th e a nnulate lamellae is described . The annul a te lamellae can be de tected either adhering to the nuclear envelope or being detached from it. Sometimes they a re obse rved to be connected with slender tubular-like structures interpreted as pa rts of the endoplasmic reti culum. The results obta ined from negativ e sta ining a re combined with those from sections. Especially, the structural data on th e a nnula te lamellae and the nuclear envelope of the very same cell were compa red . Evidence is presented th a t in the oocytes studied the two kinds of porous cisternae, n amely a nnul a te lamellae and nuclear envelope, a re markedly distinguished in that the annul a te lamellae ex hibit a much higher pore frequency (generally about twice tha t found for the corresponding nuclear envelope) and have al so a rela tive pore area occupying as much as 32 \% to 55 \% of th e cistern al surface (compa red with 13 \% to 22 \% in the nuclear envelopes). T he pore di ame ter a nd all other ultras tructural details of the pore complexes, however, a re equi valent in both kinds of porous cisternae. Like the annuli of the nuclear pore complexes of various a nimal and pl ant cells, the a nnuli of the a nnula te lamellae pores reveal al so an eightfold symmetry of their subunits in negatively stained as well as in ectioned ma teria l. Furthermore, th e a nnul a te lamellae a re shown to be a site of activity of the Mg-Na-Kstimul a ted ATPase.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerDabauvalleMerkertetal.1988, author = {Scheer, Ulrich and Dabauvalle, Marie-Christine and Merkert, Hilde and Benavente, Ricardo}, title = {The nuclear envelope and the organization of the pore complexes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-34275}, year = {1988}, abstract = {No abstract available}, language = {en} } @article{Scheer1982, author = {Scheer, Ulrich}, title = {A novel type of chromatin organization in lampbrush chromosomes of Pleurodeles waltlii: visualization of clusters of tandemly repeated, very short transcriptional units}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-41087}, year = {1982}, abstract = {A novel chromatin configuration is described in lampbrush chromosomes of Pleurodeles waltlii oocytes which is different from transcriptionally inactive chromatin as weil as from the various forms of transcribed chromatin hitherto described. This novel type of chromatin is not arranged in Christmas tree-Iike configurations of densely packed lateral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) fibriIs but is characterized by a periodic alternating pattern of thick and thin regions which occur in clusters 01 some 10,000 repeats. Each thickened unit with an average length of 45 nm contains two c10sely spaced particles, the putative RNA polymerases, and each thickened unit is separated from the next one by a beaded chromatin spacer with a length of about 80 nm. This chromatin spacer contains on average two particles of approximately 14 nm in diameter, assumed to be nucleosomes. The thickened regions are interpreted to represent short transcriptional units containing approximately 130 base pairs of DNA which are separated from each other by nontranscribed spacers of 240-400 base pairs of DNA. The possibility is discussed that these transcriptional units represent 5S rRNA or tRNA genes.}, language = {en} } @article{Scheer1970, author = {Scheer, Ulrich}, title = {The ultrastructure of the nuclear envelope of amphibian oocytes: a reinvestigation. III. Actinomycin D-induced decrease in central granules within the pores.}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32110}, year = {1970}, abstract = {No abstract available}, language = {en} } @article{Scheer1975, author = {Scheer, Ulrich}, title = {The rifamycin derivative AF/013 is cytolytic}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32429}, year = {1975}, abstract = {No abstract available}, language = {en} } @article{Scheer1978, author = {Scheer, Ulrich}, title = {Changes of nucleosome frequency in nucleolar and non-nucleolar chromatin as a function of transcription: an electron microscopic study}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-39750}, year = {1978}, abstract = {The morphology of nucleolar and non-nucleolar (Iampbrush chromosome loops) chromatin was studied in the electron microscope during states of reduced transcriptional activity in amphibian oocytes (Xenopus laevis, Triturus alpestris, T. cristatus). Reduced transcriptional activity was observed in maturing stages of oocyte development and after treatment with an inhibitor, actinomycin D. Strands of nucleolar chromatin appear smooth and thin, and contain only few, if any, nucleosomal particles in the transcribed units. This is true whether they are densely or only sparsely covered with lateral ribonucleoprotein fibrils. This smooth and non-nucleosomal character is also predominant in the interspersed, apparently nontranscribed rDNA spacer regions. During inactivation, however, nucleolar chromatin frequently and progressively assumes a beaded appearance in extended fibril-free-that is, apparently nontranscribed - regions. I n either fUll-grown 00- cytes or late after drug treatment, most of the nucleolar chromatin is no longer smooth and thin, but rather shows a beaded configuration indistinguishable from inactive non - nucleolar chromatin. In many chromatin strands, transitions of fibril-associated regions of smooth character into beaded regions wihout lateral fibrils are seen. Similarly, in the non-nucleolar chromatin of the retracting lampbrush chromosome loops, reduced transcriptional activity is correlated with a change from smooth to beaded morphology. Here, however, beaded regions are also commonly found interspersed between the more or less distant bases of the lateral fibrils, the putative transcriptional complexes. I n both sorts of chromatin, detergents (in particular Sarkosyl) that remove most of the chromatin proteins including histones from the DNA axis but leave the RNA polymerases of the transcriptional complexes attached were used to discriminate between polymerases and nucleosomal particles. The results suggest that nucleosomes are absent in heavily transcribed chromatin regions but are reformed after inactivation. In contrast to the findings with inactivated nucleolar genes, in lampbrush chromosome loops the beaded nucleosomal configuration appears to be assumed also in regions within transcriptional units that, perhaps temporarily, are not involved in transcription.}, language = {en} } @article{Scheer1973, author = {Scheer, Ulrich}, title = {Nuclear pore flow rate of ribosomal RNA and chain growth rate of its precursor during oogenesis of Xenopus laevis}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32178}, year = {1973}, abstract = {The number of ribosomal RNA molecules which are transferred through an average nuclear pore complex per minute into the cytoplasm (nuclear pore flow rate, NPFR) during oocyte growth of Xenopus laevis is estimated. The NPFR calculations are based on determinations of the increase of cytoplasmic rRNA content during defined time intervals and of the total number of pore complexes in the respective oogenesis stages. In the mid-la mpbrush stage (500:"700 I'm oocyte diameter) the NPFR is maximal with 2.62 rRNA molecules/ pore/ minute. Then it decreases to zero at the end of oogenesis. The nucleocytoplasmic RNA f10w rates determined are compared with corresponding values of other cell types. The molecular weight of the rRNA precursor transcribed in the extrachromosomal nucleoli of Xenopus lampbrush stage oocytes is determined by acrylamide gel electrophoresis to be 2.5 x 10· daltons. From the temporal increase of cytoplasmic rRNA (3.8 I'g per oocyte in 38 days) and the known number of simultaneously growing precursor molecules in the nucleus the chain growth rate of the 40 S precursor RNA is estimated to be 34 nucleotides per second.}, language = {en} } @article{Scheer1987, author = {Scheer, Ulrich}, title = {Structure of lampbrush chromosome loops during different states of transcriptional activity as visualized in the presence of physiological salt concentrations}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-39304}, year = {1987}, abstract = {Lampbrush chromosomes of amphibian oocytes were isolated in the presence of near-physiological salt concentrations, to preserve their native state, and studied by electron microscopy of ultrathin s~dions. The transcriptional state of the lampbrush chromosomes was experimentally modulated by incubating the oocytes for various time periods in medium containing actinomycin D. The observations show that the structure of the lateral loops changes rapidly in response to alterations in transcriptional activity. During decreasing transcriptional activity and reduced packing density of transcripts, the chromatin axis first condensed into nucleosomes and then into an approximately 30 nm thick higher order chromatin fiber. Packaging of the loop axis into supranucleosomal structures may contribute to the foreshortening and retraction of the loops observed during inhibition of transcription and in later stages of meiotic prophase. The increasing packing density of the DNA during the retraction process of the loops could also be visualized by immunofluorescence microscopy using antibodies to DNA. The dependence of the loop chromatin structure on transcriptional activity is discussed in relation to current views of mechanisms involved in gene activation.}, language = {en} } @article{Scheer1972, author = {Scheer, Ulrich}, title = {The ultrastructure of the nuclear envelope of amphibian ooctyes: IV. On the chemical nature of the nuclear pore complex material}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-39500}, year = {1972}, abstract = {In order to investigate the chemical composition of the nuclear pore complexes isolated nuclei from mature Xenopus laevis oocytes were manually fractioned into nucleo· plasmic aggregates and the nuclear envelopes. The whole isolation procedure takes no more than 60- 90 sec, and the pore complexes of the isolated envelopes are well preserved as demonstrated by electron microscopy. Minor nucleoplasmic and cytoplasmic contaminations associated with the isolated nuclear envelopes were determined with electron microscopic morphometry and were found to be quantitatively negligible as far as their mass and nucleic acid content is concerned. The RNA content of the fractions was determined by direct phosphorus analysis after differential alkaline hydrolysis. Approximately 9\% of the total nuclear RNA of the mature Xenopus egg was found to be attached to the nuclear envelope. The nonmembranous elements of one pore complex contain 0.41 X 10- 16 g RNA. This value agrees well with the content estimated from morphometric data. The RNA package density in the pore complexes (270 X 10- 15 g/fJ-3) is compared with the nucleolar, nucleoplasmic and cytoplasmic RNA concentration and is discussed in context with the importance of the pore complexes for the nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of RNA-containing macromolecules. Additionally, the results of the chemical analyses as well as of the 3H-actinomycin D autoradiography and of the nucleoprotein staining method of Bernhard (1969) speak against the occurence of considerable amounts of DNA in the nuclear pore complex structures.}, language = {en} } @article{Scheer1981, author = {Scheer, Ulrich}, title = {Identification of a novel class of tandemly repeated genes transcribed on lampbrush chromosomes of Pleurodeles waltlii}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-33153}, year = {1981}, abstract = {Electron microscope preparations of lampbrush chromosomes from oocytes of Pleurodeles waltl;; have revealed a new class of tandemly repeated genes. These genes are highly active, as judged by the close spacing of nascent transcripts. They occur in clusters of >100 copies and are transcribed in units containing roughly 940 base pairs of DNA that are separated by nontranscribed spacers of an estimated DNA content of 2,410 base pairs. The size and the pattern of arrangement of these transcription units can not be correlated with any of the repetitious genes so far described.}, language = {en} } @article{Scheer1994, author = {Scheer, Ulrich}, title = {Harold Garnet Callan 1917-1993}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-80789}, year = {1994}, abstract = {Professor Harold Gamet Callan, honorary member of the German Society for Cell Biology, died on the 3rd November 1993, at the age of 76. His name is inseparably connected with lampbrush chromosomes, the most spectacular and aesthetically ailuring form of chromosomes, which occupied the major part of his scientific career. " Mick" Callan's pioneering studies led to fruitful new concepts, served as a building block for many subsequent studies by others, and contributed enormously to our current understanding of chromosome organization and activity ...}, subject = {Harold Garnet Callan}, language = {en} } @article{Scheer1980, author = {Scheer, Ulrich}, title = {Structural organization of spacer chromatin between transcribed ribosomal RNA genes in amphibian oocytes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-41057}, year = {1980}, abstract = {Transcribed nucleolar chomatin, including the spacer regions interspersed between the rRNA genes, is different from the bulk of nontranscribed chromatin in that the DNA of these regions appears to be in an extended (B) conformation when examined by electron microscopy. The possibility that this may reflect artificial unfolding of nucleosomes during incubation in very low salt buffers as routinely used in such spread preparations has been examined by studying the influence of various ion concentrations on nucleolar chromatin structure. Amplified nucleolar chromatin of amphibian oocytes (Xenopus laevis, Pleurodeles waltlii, Triturus cristatus) was spread in various concentrations of NaCl (range 0 to 20 mM). Below 1 mM salt spacer chromatin frequently revealed a variable number of irregularly shaped beads, whereas above this concentration the chromatin axis appeared uniformly smooth. At all salt concentrations studied, however, the length distribution of spacer and gene regions was identical. Preparations fixed with glutaraldehyde instead of formaldehyde, or unftxed preparations, were indistinguishable in this respect. The observations indicate that (i) rDNA spacer regions are not compacted into nucleosomal particles and into supranucleosomal structures when visualized at chromatin stabilizing salt concentrations (e.g., 20 mM NaCl), and (ii) spacer DNA is covered by a uniform layer of proteins of unknown nature which, at very low salt concentrations (below 1 mM NaCl), can artificially give rise to the appearance of small granular particles of approximately nucleosome-like sizes. These particles, however, are different from nucleosomes in that they do not foreshorten the associated spacer DNA. The data support the concept of an altered nucleohistone conformation not only in transcribed chromatin but also in the vicinity of transcriptional events.}, subject = {Cytologie}, language = {en} }