Gamma-tubulin in differentiated cell types: localization in the vicinity of basal bodies in retinal photoreceptors and ciliated epithelia.

gamma-Tubulin, a newly discovered member of the tubulin superfamily required for microtubule nucleation, is associated with the centrosome(s) throughout the vertebrate cell cycle. We have used a polyclonal antibody, generated against a highly conserved segment of gamma-tubulin, to localize this protein in postmitotic, ciliated cells, in which the major microtubule organizing centers are the basal bodies. Single-cilium photoreceptor cells from bovine retina contained a strongly immunoreactive species, with molecular characteristics of gamma-tubulin, in association with a detergent-resistant, cytoskeletal fraction devoid of cytoplasmic microtubules. gamma-Tubulin was discretely localized throughout the basal body region, extending opposite to the axonemal shaft, in mechanically detached rod outer segments and whole-mounted, connecting cilium-derived axonemes. In multiciliated epithelia from bovine trachea and oviduct, gamma-tubulin immunoreactivity was detected at the base of the cilia, where basal bodies are located. These results suggest that this key centrosomal protein of mitotically active cells is also an integral component of microtubule organizing centers, required for the generation of the microtubule network in terminally differentiated cells.