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Ultrastructural changes in cells associated with interkinetic nuclear migration in the developing chick
The Journal of Experimental Zoology
|October 1, 1979
Summary
Cellular changes drive nuclear migration during chick neuroepithelium development. Rounding mitotic cells detach from the basement membrane, reposition to the lumen, and later elongate, guided by microtubule dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Interkinetic nuclear migration is crucial for neuroepithelium development.
- Understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying this process is key to developmental biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fine structural changes in cells during interkinetic nuclear migration in the developing chick neuroepithelium.
- To elucidate the cytoarchitectural rearrangements that facilitate nuclear repositioning.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine cellular ultrastructure.
- Detailed observation of cell shape, organelle distribution, and cell-cell junctions during mitosis.
Main Results:
- Interphase cells are elongated and span the neuroepithelium.
- Mitotic cells round up, detach from the basement membrane, and move to the lumen, retaining apical junctions.
- Microtubules reorient, and the apical microfilament bundle relaxes, contributing to cell rounding and apical surface broadening.
- Daughter cells elongate towards the basement membrane post-mitosis, reversing the rounding events.
- Cytoplasmic threads with midbodies connect daughter cells before complete separation.
Conclusions:
- Cellular rounding and repositioning are driven by dynamic changes in the cytoskeleton and cell-substrate interactions.
- The observed ultrastructural changes facilitate efficient nuclear migration and cell division within the neuroepithelium.
- These findings provide insights into the mechanical and structural basis of neuroepithelial development.