Abstract
The lipid phase transition (LPT) from the fluid liquid crystalline phase to the more rigid gel structure phase that occurs upon exposure to low temperatures can affect physical structure and function of cellular membranes. This study set out to investigate the membrane phase behavior of oocytes of three gorgonian corals; Junceela fragilis, J. juncea and Ellisella robusta,at different developmental stages after exposure to reduced temperatures. Oocytes were chilled to 5°C for 48, 96 or 144 h, and the LPT temperature (LPTT) was determined with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The J. fragilis oocytes had a higher LPTT (∼23.0–23.7°C) than those of J. juncea and E. robusta oocytes (approximately 18.3–20.3°C). Upon chilling for 96 h at 5°C, the LPTTs of J. juncea and E. robusta oocytes in the early (18.0±1.0 and 18.3±0.6°C, respectively) and late (17.3±0.6 and 17.7±1.2°C, respectively) stages were significantly lower than those of J. fragilis oocytes (20.3±2.1 and 19.3±1.5°C for the early and late stages, respectively). The LPTTs of early stage gorgonian oocytes was significantly lower than those of late stage oocytes. These results suggest that the LPT of three gorgonian oocytes at different developmental stages may have been influenced by the phospholipid composition of their plasma membranes, which could have implications for their low temperature resistance.
Highlights
Cryopreservation technology applied to the preservation of coral germ cells has recently shown promise as a potential ex situ conservation technique [1]
The lipid phase transition (LPT) occurred at a significantly lower temperature in the early stage oocytes of J. juncea and E. robusta (p,0.05 for each species), whilst there were no significant differences in the LPT temperature (LPTT) between the early and late stage oocytes of J. fragilis (p.0.05, Fig. 1)
The LPTT values were significantly lower for early stage oocytes of J. juncea and E. robusta at all chilling exposure periods than those of J. fragilis oocytes (Fig. 2a)
Summary
Cryopreservation technology applied to the preservation of coral germ cells has recently shown promise as a potential ex situ conservation technique [1]. It has been proposed that lipid phase transition (LPT) may have important implications for susceptibility to chilling injury, as LPT can affect cell membrane properties, such as their function and integrity [10,11,12]. It has been reported that lowering the temperature results in profound changes in the phase transition of lipids of the gametes of various species, and LPT has been found to influence the degree of cryoinjury inpig sperm membranes [13] and shrimp embryos [14], as well as oocytes from humans [12], cattle [10], sheep [15], and zebrafish [16]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
