1
|
Shami GJ, Samarska IV, Koek GH, Li A, Palma E, Chokshi S, Wisse E, Braet F. Giant mitochondria in human liver disease. Liver Int 2023; 43:2365-2378. [PMID: 37615254 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
This thematic review aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge about the occurrence of giant mitochondria or megamitochondria in liver parenchymal cells. Their presence and accumulation are considered to be a major pathological hallmark of the health and fate of liver parenchymal cells that leads to overall tissue deterioration and eventually results in organ failure. The first description on giant mitochondria dates back to the 1960s, coinciding with the availability of the first generation of electron microscopes in clinical diagnostic laboratories. Detailed accounts on their ultrastructure have mostly been described in patients suffering from alcoholic liver disease, chronic hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Interestingly, from this extensive literature survey, it became apparent that giant mitochondria or megamitochondria present themselves with or without highly organised crystal-like intramitochondrial inclusions. The origin, formation and potential role of giant mitochondria remain to-date largely unanswered. Likewise, the biochemical composition of the well-organised crystal-like inclusions and their possible impact on mitochondrial function is unclear. Herein, concepts about the possible mechanism of their formation and three-dimensional architecture will be approached. We will furthermore discuss their importance in diagnostics, including future research outlooks and potential therapeutic interventions to cure liver disease where giant mitochondria are implemented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J Shami
- School of Medical Sciences (Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Iryna V Samarska
- Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ger H Koek
- Department of Internal Medicine division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Amy Li
- Centre for Healthy Futures, Torrens University Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elena Palma
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
- King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Eddie Wisse
- Division of Nanoscopy, Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Filip Braet
- School of Medical Sciences (Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li A, Shami GJ, Griffiths L, Lal S, Irving H, Braet F. Giant mitochondria in cardiomyocytes: cellular architecture in health and disease. Basic Res Cardiol 2023; 118:39. [PMID: 37775647 PMCID: PMC10541842 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-023-01011-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Giant mitochondria are frequently observed in different disease models within the brain, kidney, and liver. In cardiac muscle, these enlarged organelles are present across diverse physiological and pathophysiological conditions including in ageing and exercise, and clinically in alcohol-induced heart disease and various cardiomyopathies. This mitochondrial aberration is widely considered an early structural hallmark of disease leading to adverse organ function. In this thematic paper, we discuss the current state-of-knowledge on the presence, structure and functional implications of giant mitochondria in heart muscle. Despite its demonstrated reoccurrence in different heart diseases, the literature on this pathophysiological phenomenon remains relatively sparse since its initial observations in the early 60s. We review historical and contemporary investigations from cultured cardiomyocytes to human tissue samples to address the role of giant mitochondria in cardiac health and disease. Finally, we discuss their significance for the future development of novel mitochondria-targeted therapies to improve cardiac metabolism and functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Li
- Department of Rural Clinical Sciences, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia.
- Centre for Healthy Futures, Torrens University Australia, Surry Hills, NSW, Australia.
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Gerald J Shami
- School of Medical Sciences (Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Griffiths
- Anatomical Pathology, PathWest, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Sean Lal
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen Irving
- Department of Rural Clinical Sciences, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Filip Braet
- School of Medical Sciences (Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J Shami
- School of Medical Sciences (Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Delfine Cheng
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marco Morsch
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Filip Braet
- School of Medical Sciences (Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li J, Shami GJ, Cho E, Liu B, Hanssen E, Dixon MWA, Tilley L. Repurposing the mitotic machinery to drive cellular elongation and chromatin reorganisation in Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5054. [PMID: 36030238 PMCID: PMC9419145 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32579-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The sexual stage gametocytes of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, adopt a falciform (crescent) shape driven by the assembly of a network of microtubules anchored to a cisternal inner membrane complex (IMC). Using 3D electron microscopy, we show that a non-mitotic microtubule organizing center (MTOC), embedded in the parasite's nuclear membrane, orients the endoplasmic reticulum and the nascent IMC and seeds cytoplasmic microtubules. A bundle of microtubules extends into the nuclear lumen, elongating the nuclear envelope and capturing the chromatin. Classical mitotic machinery components, including centriolar plaque proteins, Pfcentrin-1 and -4, microtubule-associated protein, End-binding protein-1, kinetochore protein, PfNDC80 and centromere-associated protein, PfCENH3, are involved in the nuclear microtubule assembly/disassembly process. Depolymerisation of the microtubules using trifluralin prevents elongation and disrupts the chromatin, centromere and kinetochore organisation. We show that the unusual non-mitotic hemispindle plays a central role in chromatin organisation, IMC positioning and subpellicular microtubule formation in gametocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Gerald J Shami
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ellie Cho
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Boyin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Eric Hanssen
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Ian Holmes Imaging Center, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Matthew W A Dixon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia. .,Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wisse E, Braet F, Shami GJ, Zapotoczny B, Vreuls C, Verhaegh P, Frederik P, Peters PJ, Olde Damink S, Koek G. Fat causes necrosis and inflammation in parenchymal cells in human steatotic liver. Histochem Cell Biol 2021; 157:27-38. [PMID: 34524512 PMCID: PMC8755686 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-021-02030-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adapted fixation methods for electron microscopy allowed us to study liver cell fine structure in 217 biopsies of intact human livers over the course of 10 years. The following novel observations and concepts arose: single fat droplets in parenchymal cells can grow to a volume four times larger than the original cell, thereby extremely marginalizing the cytoplasm with all organelles. Necrosis of single parenchymal cells, still containing one huge fat droplet, suggests death by fat in a process of single-cell steatonecrosis. In a later stage of single-cell steatonecrosis, neutrophils and erythrocytes surround the single fat droplet, forming an inflammatory fat follicle indicating the apparent onset of inflammation. Also, fat droplets frequently incorporate masses of filamentous fragments and other material, most probably representing Mallory substance. No other structure or material was found that could possibly represent Mallory bodies. We regularly observe the extrusion of huge fat droplets, traversing the peripheral cytoplasm of parenchymal cells, the Disse space and the endothelium. These fat droplets fill the sinusoid as a sinusoidal lipid embolus. In conclusion, adapted methods of fixation applied to human liver tissue revealed that single, huge fat droplets cause necrosis and inflammation in single parenchymal cells. Fat droplets also collect Mallory substance and give rise to sinusoidal fat emboli. Therefore, degreasing of the liver seems to be an essential therapeutic first step in the self-repairing of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This might directly reduce single-cell steatotic necrosis and inflammation as elements in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eddie Wisse
- Division of Nanoscopy, University of Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht, 6229, The Netherlands.
| | - Filip Braet
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology) & Australian Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Gerald J Shami
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology) & Australian Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | | | - Celien Vreuls
- Department of Pathology, Utrecht University Medical Centre, Utrtecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pauline Verhaegh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Frederik
- Emeritus of Maastricht University, Jekerstraat 39, 6211 NS, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peters J Peters
- Division of Nanoscopy, University of Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht, 6229, The Netherlands
| | - Steven Olde Damink
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ger Koek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shami GJ, Cheng D, Verhaegh P, Koek G, Wisse E, Braet F. Three-dimensional ultrastructure of giant mitochondria in human non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3319. [PMID: 33558594 PMCID: PMC7870882 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82884-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant mitochondria are peculiarly shaped, extremely large mitochondria in hepatic parenchymal cells, the internal structure of which is characterised by atypically arranged cristae, enlarged matrix granules and crystalline inclusions. The presence of giant mitochondria in human tissue biopsies is often linked with cellular adversity, caused by toxins such as alcohol, xenobiotics, anti-cancer drugs, free-radicals, nutritional deficiencies or as a consequence of high fat Western diets. To date, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most prevalent liver disease in lipid dysmetabolism, in which mitochondrial dysfunction plays a crucial role. It is not well understood whether the morphologic characteristics of giant mitochondria are an adaption or caused by such dysfunction. In the present study, we employ a complementary multimodal imaging approach involving array tomography and transmission electron tomography in order to comparatively analyse the structure and morphometric parameters of thousands of normal- and giant mitochondria in four patients diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In so doing, we reveal functional alterations associated with mitochondrial gigantism and propose a mechanism for their formation based on our ultrastructural findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J Shami
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Delfine Cheng
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Pauline Verhaegh
- Department of Internal Medicine Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ger Koek
- Department of Internal Medicine Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eddie Wisse
- Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Filip Braet
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Sydney Microscopy & Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Cellular Imaging Facility, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cheng D, Morsch M, Shami GJ, Chung RS, Braet F. Observation and characterisation of macrophages in zebrafish liver. Micron 2020; 132:102851. [PMID: 32092694 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2020.102851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Kupffer cells are liver-resident macrophages that play an important role in mediating immune-related functions in mammals and humans. They are well-known for their capacity to phagocytose large amounts of waste complexes, cell debris, microbial particles and even malignant cells. Location, appearance and functional aspects are important features used to identify these characteristic cells of the liver sinusoid. To-date, there is limited information on the occurrence of macrophages in zebrafish liver. Therefore, we aimed to characterise the ultrastructural and functional aspects of liver-associated macrophages in the zebrafish model by taking advantage of the latest advances in zebrafish genetics and multimodal correlative imaging. Herein, we report on the occurrence of macrophages within the zebrafish liver exhibiting conventional ultrastructural features (e.g. presence of pseudopodia, extensive lysosomal apparatus, a phagolysosome and making up ∼3% of the liver volume). Intriguingly, these cells were not located within the sinusoidal vascular bed of hepatic tissue but instead resided between hepatocytes and lacked phagocytic function. While our results demonstrated the presence and structural similarities with liver macrophages from other experimental models, their functional characteristics were distinctly different from Kupffer cells that have been described in rodents and humans. These findings illustrate that the innate immune system of the zebrafish liver has some distinctly different characteristics compared to other animal experimental models. This conclusion underpins our call for future studies in order to have a better understanding of the physiological role of macrophages residing between the parenchymal cells of the zebrafish liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delfine Cheng
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology) - The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Marco Morsch
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Gerald J Shami
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology) - The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Roger S Chung
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Filip Braet
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology) - The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Australian Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre (Cellular Imaging Facility), The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shami GJ, Cheng D, Braet F. Silver Filler Pre-embedding to Enhance Resolution and Contrast in Multidimensional SEM: A Nanoscale Imaging Study on Liver Tissue. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1814:561-576. [PMID: 29956255 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8591-3_33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Contemporarily, serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) has emerged as an immensely powerful nanoscopic imaging technique, capable of generating large-volume three-dimensional information on a variety of biological specimens in a semiautomated manner. Despite the plethora of insights and advantages provided by SBF-SEM, a major challenge inherent to the technique is that of electron charging, which ultimately reduces attainable resolution and detracts from overall image quality. In this chapter, we describe a pre-embedding approach that involves infiltration of tissue with a highly conductive silver filler suspension following primary fixation. Such an approach is demonstrated to improve overall sample conductivity, resulting in the minimization of charging under high-vacuum conditions and an improvement in lateral resolution and image contrast. The strength of this sample preparation approach for SBF-SEM is illustrated on liver tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J Shami
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology)-The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Delfine Cheng
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology)-The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Filip Braet
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology)-The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (ACMM), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Cellular Imaging Facility, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shami GJ, Cheng D, Braet F. Cover Image, Volume 232, Number 2, February 2017. J Cell Physiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J. Shami
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology)-The Bosch Institute; The University of Sydney; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
| | - Delfine Cheng
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology)-The Bosch Institute; The University of Sydney; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
| | - Filip Braet
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology)-The Bosch Institute; The University of Sydney; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis; The University of Sydney; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre; Cellular Imaging Facility; The University of Sydney; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shami GJ, Cheng D, Braet F. Combined Multidimensional Microscopy as a Histopathology Imaging Tool. J Cell Physiol 2016; 232:249-256. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J. Shami
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology)-The Bosch Institute; The University of Sydney; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
| | - Delfine Cheng
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology)-The Bosch Institute; The University of Sydney; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
| | - Filip Braet
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology)-The Bosch Institute; The University of Sydney; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis; The University of Sydney; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre; Cellular Imaging Facility; The University of Sydney; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Moore CL, Cheng D, Shami GJ, Murphy CR. Correlated light and electron microscopy observations of the uterine epithelial cell actin cytoskeleton using fluorescently labeled resin-embedded sections. Micron 2016; 84:61-6. [PMID: 26930006 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In order to perform correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) more precisely, we have modified existing specimen preparation protocols allowing fluorescence retention within embedded and sectioned tissue, facilitating direct observation across length scales. We detail a protocol which provides a precise correlation accuracy using accessible techniques in biological specimen preparation. By combining a pre-embedding uranyl acetate staining step with the progressive lowering of temperature (PLT) technique, a methacrylate embedded tissue specimen is ultrathin sectioned and mounted onto a TEM finder grid for immediate viewing in the confocal and electron microscope. In this study, the protocol is applied to rat uterine epithelial cells in vivo during early pregnancy. Correlative overlay data was used to track changes in filamentous actin that occurs in these cells from fertilization (Day 1) to implantation on Day 6 as part of the plasma membrane transformation, a process essential in the development of uterine receptivity in the rat. CLEM confirmed that the actin cytoskeleton is disrupted as apical microvilli are progressively lost toward implantation, and revealed the thick and continuous terminal web is replaced by a thinner and irregular actin band, with individually distinguishable filaments connecting actin meshworks which correspond with remaining plasma membrane protrusions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad L Moore
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology)-The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Delfine Cheng
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology)-The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Gerald J Shami
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology)-The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Christopher R Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology)-The Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|