Nematode-induced syncytium - A multinucleate transfer cell

Jones, M.G.K.ORCID: 0000-0001-5002-0227 and Northcote, D.H. (1972) Nematode-induced syncytium - A multinucleate transfer cell. Journal of Cell Science, 10 (3). pp. 789-809.

Abstract

The formation and structure of a syncytium induced by the potato cyst-nematode (Heterodera rostochiensis Woll.) in potato roots is described.

At the permanent feeding site of the nematode larva, usually in the root cortex, the larva pierces a cell with its mouth stylet and injects saliva. Cell wall dissolution occurs to incorporate neighbouring cells into a syncytium. A column of cells is incorporated towards the vascular tissue. Centripetal advance is limited by the lignifled xylem, then syncytial spread continues laterally along xylem parenchyma and pericycle cells.

Wall protuberances form on syncytial walls adjacent to conducting elements. This indicates the syncytium is a multinucleate transfer cell, and by ingesting syncytial contents the larva is the nutrient sink. As syncytial expansion occurs, sieve elements are crushed and probably cease to function, hence protuberance development continues only against xylem elements.

Cell alterations on incorporation into the syncytium involve expansion, loss of cell vacuole, nuclear hypertrophy and a proliferation of cytoplasmic organelles free to move through wall gaps into the communal cytoplasm.

‘Boundary formations’ and microtubules are associated with the growing ends of protuber ances, and appear to be involved in their synthesis. Fibrillar material, possibly cellulose microfibrils, occurs between the plasrnalemma and the membrane of the ‘boundary formation’, and the forming protuberance.

To induce the formation of the syncytium, the larva controls the differentiation of unspecialized cells to cells with a specific physiological function. The occurrence of wall protuberances suggests that transfer cells form as a response to solute flow.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publisher:	The Company of Biologists Ltd
Copyright:	© 1972 The Company of Biologists Ltd.
Publisher's Website:	https://jcs.biologists.org/content/10/3/789
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/49887

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