The microtubule-organizing center of D. discoideum is a nucleus-associ
ated body (NAB) that consists of a multilayered, box-shaped core embed
ded in an amorphous corona from which the microtubules emerge. The com
position of the NAB is still largely unresolved. Here we have examined
a high molecular mass component of the NAB which was identified by a
monoclonal antibody raised against isolated nucleus/NAB complexes. Thi
s antibody recognized a 350 kDa component which is immunologically rel
ated to the D. discoideum heavy chain of myosin II. The 350 kDa antige
n was localized only at the NAB in interphase cells, while in mitotic
cells it may also be found in the vicinity of the NAB as well as in as
sociation with the mitotic spindle. Immunogold labeling experiments sh
owed that the protein is part of the NAB corona. This association was
not destroyed by treatment with 2 M urea or 0.6 M KCl. The 350 kDa ant
igen was part of the thiabendazole-induced cytoplasmic microtubule-org
anizing centers. A direct role in the polymerization of tubulin could
not be determined in an in vitro microtubule nucleation assay, whereas
antibody electroporation of live cells appeared to interfere with the
generation of a normal microtubule system in a subset of cells. Our o
bservations suggest that the 350 kDa antigen is a structural component
of the NAB corona which could be involved in its stabilization.