Extra-Mitochondrial Localization and Likely Reproductive Function of a Female-Transmitted Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit II Protein

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2009

Department

Biological Sciences

School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Abstract

Our previous study documented a reproductive function for the male‐transmitted mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)‐encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (MCOX2) protein in a unionoid bivalve. Here, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy analyses demonstrate that the female‐transmitted protein (FCOX2) 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 FCOX2 in eggs.

Publication Title

Development Growth and Differentiation

Volume

51

Issue

5

First Page

511

Last Page

519

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