Figure 2.

PLD2 is important for maintaining cell structure and organization. By scanning electron microscopy (SEM), RBL-2H3 cells were spindle shaped and their surface was covered with short microvilli. PLD2CA cells had morphology similar to that of RBL-2H3 cells. The majority of PLD2CI cells were star shaped with multiple cytoplasmic extensions (arrows), and their surface was also covered with short microvilli. Analysis of the cytoskeleton following 3D reconstruction of fluorescent images showed that there were differences in the distribution of the cytoskeleton in the PLD2CI cells when compared with the RBL-2H3 and PLD2CA cells. Actin filaments in RBL-2H3 and PLD2CA cells were under the plasma membrane following the spindle shape of the cells and in association with microvilli. Actin filaments were also seen in occasional ruffles. In PLD2CI cells, actin filaments followed the star shape of the cells and extended through the cytoplasmic projections. There were also numerous small actin containing projections on the surface of these cells. In RBL-2H3 and PLD2CA cells, microtubules (arrows) were organized into bundles that followed the fusiform shape of the cells, whereas in PLD2CI cells, the microtubules (arrows) in the cell body were more disorganized and appeared basket-like in the cell body.