Cps-6 Loss Delays Internal Breakdown of Paternal Mitochondria After Fertilization

This study examines the role of cps-6 in the degradation of paternal mitochondria following fertilization. Tomographic slice images and corresponding 3D models of a mitochondrion in an N2 (A) or cps-6(tm3222) (F) spermatozoon or a paternal mitochondrion in an N2 embryo (B to D) or a cps-6(tm3222) embryo (G to J) at the indicated stages are presented. 3D models of autophagosomes (AuPh) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are shown. Mitochondrial membranes, cristae, and aggregates are colored in red, green, and blue, respectively. Dark aggregates and autophagosome membranes are indicated with blue and yellow arrowheads, respectively. Scale bars indicate 300 nm. (E) A histogram showing three classes of paternal mitochondria in different stage embryos from the indicated N2 cross (n=45) or cps-6(tm3222) cross (n=56). This study reveals that the loss of cps-6 delays the internal breakdown of paternal mitochondria after fertilization. The tomographic imaging and 3D models demonstrate that paternal mitochondria degradation is delayed in cps-6 deficient embryos. Furthermore, the histogram displays the different types of paternal mitochondria observed in embryos at various stages.