Actin has been studied extensively for decades, but so far its well-defined role has been found localized to the cytoplasm. The present study characterizes the distribution pattern of actin in the nucleus of HL-60 and K-562 cell lines treated with etoposide and doxorubicin. F-actin labeled with TRITC-phalloidin was found in the nucleus in both cell lines independently of the cytostatic drugs used. Using confocal microscopy F-actin is seen in the center of the nucleus showed labeling of the nucleoli by phalloidin. There are also distinct tracts of F-actin seen from nucleoli to the nuclear envelope in some sections. HL-60 cells treated with 200 µM etoposide and 5, 10 µM doxorubicin showed cells with characteristic features of apoptosis at the ultrastructural level. Intense immunogold labeling for actin was seen in nucleus of HL-60 cells with compaction and margination of chromatin. In K-562 cells more intense labeling was often found in the cytoplasm of the cells. Positive labeling for actin was not found after control incubations. F-actin is present in the nucleus and there is labeling of nucleoli by phalloidin. The observation at the ultrastructural level suggests that actin can be involved in chromatin reorganization during the process of apoptosis. Increase of labeling at the ultrastructural level in the nucleus of HL-60 cells in relation with compaction and margination of nuclear chromatin might also suggest translocation of actin from cytoplasm to the nucleus in connection with chromatin reorganization.

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