Postaggregative Differentiation Induction by Cyclic AMP in Dictyostelium: Intracellular Transduction Pathway and Requirement for Additional Stimuli

Pauline Schaap, Michiel M. van Lookeren Campagne, Roel van Driel, Wouter Spek, Peter J.M. van Haastert, Johan Pinas

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Abstract

Cyclic AMP induces postaggregative differentiation in aggregation competent cells of Dictyostelium by interacting with cell surface cAMP receptors. We investigated the transduction pathway of this response and additional requirements for the induction of postaggregative differentiation. Optimal induction of postaggregative gene expression requires that vegetative cells are first exposed to 2-4 hr of nanomolar cAMP pulses, and subsequently for 4-6 hr to steady-state cAMP concentrations in the micromolar range. Cyclic AMP pulses, which are endogenously produced before and during aggregation, induce full reponsiveness to cAMP as a morphogen. The transduction pathway from the cell surface cAMP receptor to postaggregative gene expression may involve Ca2+ ions as intracellular messengers. A cAMP-induced increase in intracellular cAMP or cGMP levels is not involved in the transduction pathway.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages12
JournalDevelopmental Biology
Volume118
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1986

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