Polyploidization of the BTC-32 cell line from Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

Mello, Maria Luiza S.; Pudney, Mary

doi:10.1007/bf00055224

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 7 publications

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“…Consequently, the total number of nuclei may show a 40% reduction [ 12 ]. Additionally, nuclear and cell fusions have been detected in BTC-32 cells cultivated from embryonic tissues of T. infestans at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine [ 13 ]. The presence of giant nuclei is not restricted to T. infestans ; it has also been reported in the fat body cells of Rhodnius prolixus , another species of the Reduviidae family [ 14 ].…”

Section: Somatic Polyploidymentioning

confidence: 99%

Nuclear Morphofunctional Organization and Epigenetic Characteristics in Somatic Cells of T. infestans (Klug, 1834)

Mello

2023

Pathogens

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Triatoma infestans (Klug) is an insect recognized as not only an important vector of South American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) but also a model of specific cellular morphofunctional organization and epigenetic characteristics. The purpose of the present review is to highlight certain cellular processes that are particularly unveiled in T. infestans, such as the following: (1) somatic polyploidy involving nuclear and cell fusions that generate giant nuclei; (2) diversification of nuclear phenotypes in the Malpighian tubules during insect development; (3) heterochromatin compartmentalization into large bodies with specific spatial distribution and presumed mobility in the cell nuclei; (4) chromatin remodeling and co-occurrence of necrosis and apoptosis in the Malpighian tubules under stress conditions; (5) epigenetic markers; and (6) response of heterochromatin to valproic acid, an epidrug that inhibits histone deacetylases and induces DNA demethylation in other cell systems. These cellular processes and epigenetic characteristics emphasize the role of T. infestans as an attractive model for cellular research. A limitation of these studies is the availability of insect supply by accredited insectaries. For studies that require the injection of drugs, the operator’s dexterity to perform insect manipulation is necessary, especially if young nymphs are used. For studies involving in vitro cultivation of insect organs, the culture medium should be carefully selected to avoid inconsistent results.

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Section: Somatic Polyploidymentioning

confidence: 99%

Nuclear Morphofunctional Organization and Epigenetic Characteristics in Somatic Cells of T. infestans (Klug, 1834)

Mello

2023

Pathogens

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Cell death and survival alterations in Malpighian tubules ofTriatoma infestansfollowing heat shock

Mello¹,

Tavares²,

Dantas³

et al. 2001

Biochem. Cell Biol.

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In this study, we examined cell survival and cell death in response to heat shock in an insect organ composed of highly polyploid cells no longer capable of cell division. For this, the frequency of nuclear phenotypes in Feulgen-stained Malpighian tubules of the blood-sucking insect, Triatoma infestans, was analyzed at various times after a short heat shock with or without subsequent moderate fasting. Cell death DNA fragmentation was studied immunocytochemically. Normal phenotypes and phenotypes indicative of cell survival (heterochromatin decondensation, nuclear fusion) and death (apoptosis, necrosis) were observed, especially in heat-shocked specimens. While the number of total and normal nuclei decreased following heat shock, the frequency of apoptosis increased during a short period (7 days) after heat shock. During a 30-day period following heat shock, the frequency of necrosis in fasted but not in fully nourished nymphs increased simultaneously with a decrease in the frequency of apoptosis. This finding suggests that the stress promoted by heat shock, but not that associated with heat shock plus fasting, can be dealt with by the apoptosis program. When considering the forms of cell survival, heterochromatin decondensation was more relevant in fully nourished nymphs, whereas nuclear and cell fusions were more important in fasted specimens. The forms of cell survival and cell death reported here may have protected the organ from damage by the stressing agents. In cells with no induction or accumulation of heat-shock proteins, cell death and the forms of cell survival observed here were the probable consequence.

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Polyploidization of the BTC-32 cell line from Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

Cited by 2 publications

References 7 publications

Nuclear Morphofunctional Organization and Epigenetic Characteristics in Somatic Cells of T. infestans (Klug, 1834)

Nuclear Morphofunctional Organization and Epigenetic Characteristics in Somatic Cells of T. infestans (Klug, 1834)

Cell death and survival alterations in Malpighian tubules ofTriatoma infestansfollowing heat shock

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