Associations of PKC isoforms with the cytoskeleton of B16F10 melanoma cells

Although PKC plays a major role in regulating the morphology and function o f the cytoskeleton, little is known about in situ associations of specific isoforms with the cytoskeleton. We demonstrate that seven PKC isoforms are expressed in B16F10 melanoma cells and show different levels of induction b y serum. Using cell cytoskeleton preparations (CSKs), confocal microscopy, and immunocytochemistry, all isoforms show specific patterns of localizatio n to focal contact-like structures (alpha, delta), very small cytoplasmic g ranules/vesicles tall isoforms), dense ordered arrays of small granules in the perinuclear region (alpha, delta), granules/vesicles associated with a homogeneous framework in the cytoplasm adjacent to the nucleus (gamma), or irregular-shaped patches of granules at or near the nuclear perimeter (eta, theta) In addition, several isoforms are present as cytoplasmic granules/v esicles in linear or curvilinear arrays (alpha, delta, epsilon, theta). Whe n isoform localization is examined using 3.7% formaldehyde or methanol:acet one, the patterns of localization in CSKs are often difficult or impossible to detect, and many are described here for the first time. Double-labeling experiments with CSK demonstrate that PKC actin co-localizes with punctate alpha -rich particles above the nucleus, granules of epsilon throughout th e cytoplasm, and with theta in irregular-shaped aggregates associated with the nucleus. Vimentin co-localizes with perinuclear granules of delta and b eta (2), and alpha -tubulin co-localizes with theta in structures at or nea r the nuclear surface and in microtubules associated with the microtubule o rganizing center (MTOC). In summary, the present study demonstrates that se ven PKC isoforms are endogenously expressed in B16F1D melanoma cells. These isoforms show various levels of induction by serum and specific patterns o f association with various components of the detergent-resistant cell cytos keleton.