Cold shock induces novel nuclear bodies in Xenopus oocytes

Ji-Long Liu; Joseph G Gall

doi:10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112386

Cold shock induces novel nuclear bodies in Xenopus oocytes

Exp Cell Res. 2021 Jan 1;398(1):112386. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112386. Epub 2020 Nov 18.

Authors

Ji-Long Liu¹, Joseph G Gall²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA; Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China. Electronic address: jilong.liu@dpag.ox.ac.uk.
² Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA. Electronic address: gall@carnegiescience.edu.

Abstract

Here we describe novel spherical structures that are induced by cold shock on the lampbrush chromosomes (LBCs) of Xenopus laevis oocytes. We call these structures cold bodies or C-bodies. C-bodies are distributed symmetrically on homologous LBCs, with a pattern similar to that of 5S rDNA. Neither active transcription nor translation is necessary for their formation. Similar protrusions occur on the edges of some nucleoli. Endogenous LBCs as well as those derived from injected sperm form C-bodies under cold shock conditions. The function of C-bodies is unknown.

Keywords: Chromatin; Cold body; Nucleolus; Oocyte; Sperm; Xenopus.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Cell Nucleus / genetics
Cell Nucleus / metabolism
Cell Nucleus / ultrastructure*
Cell Nucleus Structures / metabolism
Cell Nucleus Structures / ultrastructure*
Chromosomes / genetics
Chromosomes / ultrastructure*
Cold-Shock Response*
Female
Oocytes / metabolism
Oocytes / ultrastructure*
Xenopus laevis

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding