All for one: changes in mitochondrial morphology and activity during syncytial oogenesis(dagger)

The syncytial groups of germ cells (germ-line cysts) forming in ovaries of clitellate annelids are an attractive model to study mitochondrial stage-specific changes. Using transmission electron microscopy, serial block-face scanning electron microscopy, and fluorescent microscopy, we analyzed the mitochondria distribution and morphology and the state of membrane potential in female cysts in Enchytraeus albidus. We visualized in 3D at the ultrastructural level mitochondria in cysts at successive stages: 2-celled, 4-celled, 16-celled cysts, and cyst in advanced oogenesis. We found that mitochondria form extensive aggregates-they are fused and connected into large and branched mitochondrial networks. The most extensive networks are formed with up to 10 000 fused mitochondria, whereas individual organelles represent up to 2% of the total mitochondrial volume. We classify such a morphology of mitochondria as a dynamic hyperfusion state and suggest that this can maintain their high activity and intensify the process of cellular respiration within the syncytial cysts. We found some individual mitochondria undergoing degradation, which implies that damaged mitochondria are removed from networks for their final elimination. As growing oocytes were shown to possess less active mitochondria than the nurse cells, the high activity of mitochondria in the nurse cells and their dynamic hyperfusion state are attributed to serve the needs of the growing oocyte. In addition, we measured by calorimetry the total antioxidant capacity of germ-line cysts in comparison with somatic tissue, and it suggests that antioxidative defense systems, together with mitochondrial networks, can effectively protect germ-line mitochondria from damage. In the syncytial germ-line cysts of annelid Enchytraeus albidus, functioning during oogenesis, mitochondria form extensive networks that serve the needs of the growing oocyte.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the distribution, morphology, and membrane potential of mitochondria in female cysts in Enchytraeus albidus using various microscopy techniques. The findings showed that mitochondria form extensive aggregates and networks in the cysts, which are classified as a dynamic hyperfusion state. This morphology allows for high activity and intensified cellular respiration. Additionally, damaged mitochondria are removed from the networks for elimination. The high activity and dynamic state of the mitochondria are attributed to serving the needs of growing oocytes in the cysts.