Immunomorphological localization of Vasa protein and pre-mRNA splicing factors in Panorpa communis trophocytes and oocytes

The distribution of Vasa protein and splicing factors of pre-mRNA has been studied in oogenesis of Panorpa communis. This distribution was analyzed relative to three types of perinuclear bodies (PBs) in trophocyte cytoplasm, PBs and polar granules (PGs) in oocyte. Immunoelectron labeling using antibody against Vasa protein revealed PBs of the 2nd type of P. communis trophocytes as well as oocyte PBs and PGs to contain Vasa protein. From this evidence emerged proposal that PBs of the 2nd type are homologues to the "nuage" of Drosophila, a marker of germ line cells. Besides, we suggest that in P. communis, both trophocytes and oocytes take part in formation of PGs. Using immunoelectron microscopy, we also show small nuclear RNPs both in trophocyte PBs of the 2nd type and in oocyte PBs. The functional significance of coupling in the same structure of Vasa protein and snRNPs is discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.