This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The purpose of the study is to examine a recently described component of the cristae of mitochondria in Leydig cells, the steroid-producing cells of the testis (Prince, F.P., 1999. Anat. Rec. 254: 534-541). The structure in question is the ?lamellar association?, a complex of 2 to 8 membranes in close apposition that is a rather striking element of the cristae compartment of these mitochondria. This substructure has not been described in the mitochondria of non-steroid producing cells. The functional significance remains unknown. Mitochondria of steroid cells, aside from their role in aerobic energy production, are involved in the process of steroidogenesis. Electron tomography will be useful in gaining further insight into the organization of this membrane complex. In the previous reporting period, double-tilt reconstructions were made of a Leydig Cell mitochondria. The cristae had a lamellar arrangement, with some vesicular components, and the outer membrane showed association with smooth endoplasmic reticulum. There was some apparent organization of matrix granules. The following paper was published (with journal cover): Prince,F.P. & Buttle,K.F. (2004) Mitochondrial structure in steroid-producing cells: Three-dimensional reconstruction of human Leydig cell mitochondria by electron microscopic tomography. Anatomical Record Part A, 278A, 454-461.
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