We previously reported that parthenogenetic cells display abnormal centrosome and spindle formation resulting in chromosome malsegregation and a high incidence of hypoaploidy. Unexpectedly this is not accompanied by a correspondingly high rate of apoptosis. We hypothesize that a series of adaptive mechanisms make this possible. The presence of intercellular bridges may represent one of such mechanism and would provide a strategy for mutual exchange of missing cell products, alleviating the unbalanced chromosome distribution. The presence of intercellular bridges was investigated in pig parthenogenetic cells by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. For the former, cells were fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde and post-fixed in 1% osmic acid. After standard dehydration, samples were embedded in an Epon-Araldite 812 mixture, sectioned and observed with a Jeol 1010 electron microscope. For scanning electron microscopy cells were covered with a 9 nm gold film by flash evaporation of carbon and examined with a SEM-FEG Philips XL-30 microscope. Functional trafficking activity was demonstrated with fluorescent 10-kDa dextran. The tracking molecule was injected into the cytoplasm of a single cell with FemtoJet Microinjector and its movement was monitored. Ultra-structural analysis of parthenogenetic cells showed the presence of intercellular bridges that ensured cytoplasmic continuity among cells. Furthermore extensive movement of 10-kDa dextran demonstrated functional intercellular trafficking through these canals suggesting their use for transfer of mRNAs, proteins and ribosomes among cells. Our results demonstrate that parthenogenetic cells present a wide network of functional intercellular bridges that may constitute an adaptive mechanism to support normal cell functions.

Intercellular bridges functionally connect parthenogenetic cells / G. Pennarossa, S. Maffei, F. Gandolfi, T.A.L. Brevini. ((Intervento presentato al 9. convegno Congresso nazionale AMV tenutosi a Roma nel 2013.

Intercellular bridges functionally connect parthenogenetic cells

G. Pennarossa
Primo
;
S. Maffei
Secondo
;
F. Gandolfi;T.A.L. Brevini
2013

Abstract

We previously reported that parthenogenetic cells display abnormal centrosome and spindle formation resulting in chromosome malsegregation and a high incidence of hypoaploidy. Unexpectedly this is not accompanied by a correspondingly high rate of apoptosis. We hypothesize that a series of adaptive mechanisms make this possible. The presence of intercellular bridges may represent one of such mechanism and would provide a strategy for mutual exchange of missing cell products, alleviating the unbalanced chromosome distribution. The presence of intercellular bridges was investigated in pig parthenogenetic cells by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. For the former, cells were fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde and post-fixed in 1% osmic acid. After standard dehydration, samples were embedded in an Epon-Araldite 812 mixture, sectioned and observed with a Jeol 1010 electron microscope. For scanning electron microscopy cells were covered with a 9 nm gold film by flash evaporation of carbon and examined with a SEM-FEG Philips XL-30 microscope. Functional trafficking activity was demonstrated with fluorescent 10-kDa dextran. The tracking molecule was injected into the cytoplasm of a single cell with FemtoJet Microinjector and its movement was monitored. Ultra-structural analysis of parthenogenetic cells showed the presence of intercellular bridges that ensured cytoplasmic continuity among cells. Furthermore extensive movement of 10-kDa dextran demonstrated functional intercellular trafficking through these canals suggesting their use for transfer of mRNAs, proteins and ribosomes among cells. Our results demonstrate that parthenogenetic cells present a wide network of functional intercellular bridges that may constitute an adaptive mechanism to support normal cell functions.
2013
Settore VET/01 - Anatomia degli Animali Domestici
Associazione italiana dei morfologi veterinari
AMV
http://www.morfovet.it/Abstract%20Book.pdf
Intercellular bridges functionally connect parthenogenetic cells / G. Pennarossa, S. Maffei, F. Gandolfi, T.A.L. Brevini. ((Intervento presentato al 9. convegno Congresso nazionale AMV tenutosi a Roma nel 2013.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/237242
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