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Extra‐mitochondrial localization and likely reproductive function of a female‐transmitted cytochrome c oxidase subunit II protein
Author(s) -
Chakrabarti Rumela,
Shepardson Sally,
Karmakar Moumita,
Trdan Richard,
Walker Jennifer,
Shandilya Ramdas,
Stewart Don,
Vijayaraghavan Srinivasan,
Hoeh Walter
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
development, growth and differentiation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.864
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1440-169X
pISSN - 0012-1592
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2009.01113.x
Subject(s) - immunoelectron microscopy , cytochrome c oxidase , biology , protein subunit , vitelline membrane , mitochondrion , mitochondrial dna , cytoplasm , microbiology and biotechnology , mitochondrial matrix , inner mitochondrial membrane , human fertilization , gene , oocyte , immunohistochemistry , genetics , biochemistry , enzyme , immunology , cytosol , embryo
Our previous study documented a reproductive function for the male‐transmitted mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)‐encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (M COX2 ) protein in a unionoid bivalve. Here, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy analyses demonstrate that the female‐transmitted protein (F COX2 ) is: (i) expressed in both male and female gonads; (ii) maximally expressed in ovaries just prior to the time of the annual fertilization event; (iii) displayed in the cytoplasm and more strongly in the plasma membrane (microvilli), vitelline matrix and vitelline envelope of mature ovarian eggs; and (iv) strongly localized to the vitelline matrix of some eggs just prior to fertilization. These findings represent evidence for the extra‐mitochondrial localization of an mtDNA‐encoded gene product and are consistent with multifunctionality for F COX2 in eggs.