Dynamics of the cytoskeleton of epidermal cells in situ and in culture

The cytoskeleton of primary tissue-culture cells from the epidermis of Xenopus laevis tadpoles was investigated by phase-contrast, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. The connection between the arrangement of different types of filaments and the mechanical properties of the epidermis is discussed. The bilayered epidermis attains stability from thick bundles of tonofilaments interconnecting the basal desmosomes. Twisting of tonofilaments around each other can explain the occurrence of elastic filamentous curls forming a meshwork braced between rows of "small desmosomes" in the apical region of the epidermis. Actin is arranged as a diffuse meshwork and sometimes forms bundles intermingling with tonofilament bundles. Surface membranes and rows of "small desmosomes" are delineated by actin and contain alpha-actinin. Actin raises the tension for rounding and spreading of cells. Microtubules stabilize already well-developed lamellae.