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Monensin interferes with the determination of the mesodermal cell line in embryos of Patella vulgata
Wiel M Kühtreiber1, Eveline H van Til1, Cees A M van Dongen1
1Department of Experimental Zoology, University of Utrecht, Padualaan 8, NL-3584, CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
In embryos of the equally cleaving marine gastropod Patella vulgata, the mesodermal stem cell is determined during the interval between the fifth and sixth cleavage by means of cellular interactions between one of the four vegetally located macromeres with the overlying animal micromeres. Shortly before and during this interaction phase an extracellular matrix (ECM) is present between the interacting cells. In this study the glycosylation-perturbing ionophore monensin was used to investigate the possible morphogenetic significance of the ECM. Incubation of 32-cell-stage Patella embryos in 10-6 M monensin results in radialized embryos in which none of the four macromeres interacts with the overlying animal micromeres. None of the macromeres is determined, therefore, to form mesoderm in such embryos. Trochophore larvae reared from these embryos retain their radial symmetry, as is indicated by the presence of four shell glands and four blastopore- or stomodeum-like invaginations in these larvae. The monensin-treated embryos probably secrete abnormal ECM that does not provide the proper conditions for the blastomeres to stretch and interact with the micromeres. Changes in intracellular ionic concentrations may also be involved.
Insights
Monensin treatment disrupts mesoderm determination in Patella vulgata embryos by affecting cellular interactions and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. This leads to radialized embryos and larvae lacking normal symmetry.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Marine gastropod embryology
- Cellular interactions
Background:
- Mesodermal stem cell determination in Patella vulgata occurs between the fifth and sixth cleavage.
- This determination relies on cellular interactions between vegetal macromeres and animal micromeres.
- An extracellular matrix (ECM) is present during this critical interaction phase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphogenetic role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in mesoderm determination.
- To assess the effects of perturbing ECM glycosylation on embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the glycosylation-perturbing ionophore monensin.
- Incubated 32-cell-stage Patella embryos in 10⁻⁶ M monensin.
Main Results:
- Monensin treatment resulted in radialized embryos.
- Macromere-micromere interaction was abolished, preventing mesoderm determination.
- Resulting trochophore larvae exhibited radial symmetry with four shell glands and four invaginations.
Conclusions:
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a significant role in mesodermal stem cell determination.
- Monensin likely induces abnormal ECM secretion, hindering blastomere interaction and development.
- Alterations in intracellular ionic concentrations may also contribute to the observed developmental defects.
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