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Centriole modification in human aortic endothelial cells.
V B Bystrevskaya1, V V Lichkun, A V Krushinsky
1Institute of Experimental Cardiology, Cardiology Research Center, Moscow, Russia.
Journal of Structural Biology
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Centriole structure varies in human aortic endothelial cells, with longer mother centrioles observed in definitive aorta and C-shaped centrioles in older donors. These structural changes may influence cell cycle progression.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Human Anatomy
- Microscopy
Background:
- Centrioles are crucial microtubule-based organelles involved in cell division and ciliogenesis.
- Variations in centriole structure and duplication have been observed in different cell types and conditions.
- The specific structural characteristics of centrioles in human aortic endothelial cells, particularly with age, remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural organization of centrioles in human aortic endothelial cells across different developmental stages and ages.
- To examine centriole morphology in cells undergoing division in both in situ and in vitro conditions.
- To explore potential correlations between centriole structure and cell cycle progression.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to analyze the ultrastructure of centrioles in human aortic endothelial cells.
- Samples were obtained from embryonic and adult human aortas, as well as from organ and cell cultures.
- Morphometric analysis was performed to measure centriole lengths and describe their structural features.
Main Results:
- In definitive aorta endothelial cells, mother centrioles showed variable lengths (0.5-2 µm), while daughter centrioles were consistently shorter (0.4-0.5 µm).
- Longer mother centrioles, including C-shaped forms with a complete doublet microtubule organization, were observed in older donors (30-40 years) and in multinucleated cells.
- Mitotic cells displayed unequal spindle pole structures, with one pole featuring a long mother centriole, and C-shaped centrioles were noted in mitotic cells in culture.
Conclusions:
- Human aortic endothelial cells exhibit age-dependent variations in centriole structure, including the presence of elongated and C-shaped mother centrioles.
- These structural modifications, particularly the presence of long centrioles at spindle poles, may play a role in regulating cell division.
- The findings suggest a potential mechanism for centriole transformation influencing cell cycle control in these cells.