Localization of actin in Dictyostelium amebas by immunofluorescence

Antibody prepared against avian smooth muscle actin has been used to localize actin in the slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum. The distribution of actin in migrating cells is different from that in feeding cells. Migrating amebas display fluorescence primarily in advancing regions whereas feeding amebas show uniform fluorescence throughout. The reaction is specific for actin since the fluorescence observed is blocked when the antibody is absorbed by actin purified from avian skeletal muscle, human platelets, and Dictyostelium. These results, in addition to describing the distribution of actin in D. discoideum, demonstrate that actins from these diverse sources share at least one common antigenic determinant.