Immunogold localization of RNA polymerase II and pre-mRNA splicing factors in Tenebrio molitor oocyte nuclei with special emphasis on karyosphere development

Ultrastructural and immunomorphological characteristics of the developing karyosphere and extrachromosomal nuclear bodies (NBs) in Tenebrio molitor oocytes are presented. Three consecutive stages of karyosphere development were identified: reticular, compact and ring-shaped. At the beginning of the karyosphere development (reticular and compact stages), condensed chromosomes are associated with a fibrogranular material (FGM). The successive karyosphere development is accompanied by the reorganization of FGM into fibrogranular NBs. Special attention was given to the nuclear distribution of hyperphosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms of RNA polymerase II (pol II) and pre-mRNA splicing factors (snRNPs and SC35 protein) during karyosphere development and NB formation. The immunoelectron microscopy revealed that two forms of pol II and splicing factors being assembled in FGM are deposited in appropriate NBs. Some NBs were also shown to contain coilin, a marker protein for Cajal (coiled) bodies. We suggest that different types of NBs appearing in T. molitor oocyte nuclei along with the cessation of transcriptional activity during the karyosphere development represent storage domains for inactive RNA transcription/processing machinery to later usage in early embryogenesis. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.