The spectrin-related molecule, TW-260/240, cross-links the actin bundles of the microvillus rootlets in the brush borders of intestinal epithelial cells.

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that molecules related to erythrocyte spectrin are present in the cortical cytoplasm of nonerythroid cells. We report here the localization by immunoelectron microscopy of one such molecule, TW-260/240, in the brush border of intestinal epithelial cells. Using highly specific antibodies against TW-260 and TW-240 as well as antibodies against fodrin, another spectrinlike molecule, we have found that the TW-260/240 molecules are displayed between rootlets at all levels of the terminal web. Occasionally, extended structures appear labeled suggestive of the fine filaments known to cross-link actin bundles. These results are in line with previous in vitro studies showing that TW-260/240 binds to, and cross-links, actin filaments. The results are discussed in terms of a model in which rootlets are immobilized in the terminal web in a matrix of TW-260/240.