Linan Gao, Roman Franěk, Tomáš Tichopád, Marek Rodina, David Gela, Radek Šindelka, Taiju Saito, Martin Pšenička
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
In brief: The mitochondria within germ plasm contribute to the formation and specification of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in non-teleost fishes regardless of their origin from germ plasm. This study offers new insights into germ cell biology and potential strategies for conserving matrilineal genetics in sturgeons.
Abstract: While it is widely recognised that mitochondria are components of germ plasm, their specific role in the formation and specification of PGCs remains poorly understood. Furthermore, it has not been established whether mitochondria in germ plasm possess unique characteristics essential for their function. In this study, we demonstrate that mitochondria are indispensable for PGC development in non-teleost fishes and that their role is not dependent on their origin from germ plasm. Using sturgeon embryos, we showed that UV radiation applied to the vegetal pole effectively eliminates germ plasm, including mitochondria, and prevents PGC formation. Remarkably, we restored germ plasm function and PGC development by injecting mitochondria derived from donor eggs, even when these mitochondria were not originally part of the germ plasm. Transplanted mitochondria were successfully identified in larval PGCs using a fluorescent PKH26 tracer, and in interspecies transplantation experiments, their presence was confirmed using species-specific mtDNA and mtRNA primers in larvae and individual PGCs. Our findings reveal that mitochondria are critical but not germ plasm-specific determinants of PGC formation. This study provides novel insights into the developmental pathways of germ cells and establishes a previously unrecognised flexibility in mitochondrial functionality within the germ line. These findings also offer a potential method for conserving matrilineal genetics in critically endangered species such as sturgeons while simultaneously opening new avenues for studying germ lines with high interspecies mitochondrial heteroplasmy and contributing to broader evolutionary and conservation biology.
期刊介绍:
Reproduction is the official journal of the Society of Reproduction and Fertility (SRF). It was formed in 2001 when the Society merged its two journals, the Journal of Reproduction and Fertility and Reviews of Reproduction.
Reproduction publishes original research articles and topical reviews on the subject of reproductive and developmental biology, and reproductive medicine. The journal will consider publication of high-quality meta-analyses; these should be submitted to the research papers category. The journal considers studies in humans and all animal species, and will publish clinical studies if they advance our understanding of the underlying causes and/or mechanisms of disease.
Scientific excellence and broad interest to our readership are the most important criteria during the peer review process. The journal publishes articles that make a clear advance in the field, whether of mechanistic, descriptive or technical focus. Articles that substantiate new or controversial reports are welcomed if they are noteworthy and advance the field. Topics include, but are not limited to, reproductive immunology, reproductive toxicology, stem cells, environmental effects on reproductive potential and health (eg obesity), extracellular vesicles, fertility preservation and epigenetic effects on reproductive and developmental processes.