Tube‐like structures within the ovarian follicle of Hydrolagus colliei indicate the early origins of follicle cell processes

Abstract

Follicle cell processes (FCP) are actin‐based, tube‐like structures that connect the developing oocyte to the follicle cells throughout oogenesis. They were first described in Selachians (sharks) where their suggested roles were facilitating the transport of metabolites to the developing oocyte and providing structural support to the large egg cells of sharks, an early stage in the evolution of viviparity. Subsequent studies found that FCP are absent in Rajiformes (skates), suggesting that FCP may have been novel structures specific to the sharks. Here, FCP in Hydrolagus colliei, a Chimaeriform, were described. The FCP of H. colliei differ morphologically from those previously described in sharks, but as they also contain actin, they presumably play similar roles provisioning the developing oocyte and providing structural support. The presence of FCP in the order Chimaeriformes suggests that their origin predates the split of the elasmobranchs and the holocephalans.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jul 29, 2020
Source ID
10.1111/jfb.14423

Entities

People

  • Enrique L. Harold
  • Henry Bart Jr
  • Ian R Davenport
  • Lydia Crawford
  • Thomas M Huckaba

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • Tulane University of Louisiana
  • Xavier University of Louisiana

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Immunology and Pathology
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Vector-Borne Disease and Entomology