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Block of mitochondrial apoptotic pathways in lizard ovarian follicle cells as an adaptation to their nurse function

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Abstract

Pyriforms are ovarian follicle nurse cells that undergo apoptosis at the end of previtellogenesis and are completely eliminated by the epithelium. This event is accompanied by the active transfer of organelles and macromolecules to the oocyte via an intercellular bridge. Since it would be a nonsense for damaged mitochondria to reach the oocyte, we have postulated that pyriform cells have adapted their apoptotic machinery to prevent mitochondrial degradation. To verify this hypothesis, we have studied mitochondrial morphology and functionality during follicle cell regression. Cytological and biochemical evidence indicates that mitochondria in pyriforms maintain their size, organization and membrane potential. This clearly indicates that they are not involved in apoptosis signalling/progression. This block would favour both the oocyte, by increasing the pool of organelles available from follicle cells, and also the regressing pyriforms, by maintaining the energy resources required for completion of their nurse function. The block is probably attributable to an over-expression of Bcl-2 and might be carried out by sequestering cytochrome c inside the organelles. As demonstrated by in vitro experiments, the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway can be activated by stress induction, such as serum deprivation, but not following physiological pro-apoptotic signalling, such as treatment with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone.

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Acknowledgements

TEM analyses were carried out at the Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerche sulle Ultrastrutture Biologiche at Naples and the authors thank staff for their technical assistance. C.M.M. is grateful to Dr. Ted Howell for critical reading of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento delle Scienze Biologiche, Section of Evolutionary and Comparative Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80134, Naples, Italy

    Stefania Tammaro, Palma Simoniello, Silvana Filosa & Chiara Maria Motta

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  1. Stefania Tammaro
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  2. Palma Simoniello
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  3. Silvana Filosa
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  4. Chiara Maria Motta
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Correspondence to Chiara Maria Motta.

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These studies were supported by a grant from the MIUR (PRIN project: Molecular responses of embryonic, differentiated and tumoral cells exposed to cadmium intoxication).

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Tammaro, S., Simoniello, P., Filosa, S. et al. Block of mitochondrial apoptotic pathways in lizard ovarian follicle cells as an adaptation to their nurse function. Cell Tissue Res 327, 625–635 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-006-0256-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-006-0256-7

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