Megamitochondria Initiate Differentiation of Monolayer Cells into Detached Dome Cells That Proliferate by a Schizogony-Like Amitotic Process

Mitonucleon-initiated dome formation involves structural changes occurring over a 20 to 24 hour period in monolayer cells induced by serum factor. The earliest observable change is the fusion of into syncytium which nuclei aggregate and become surrounded membrane that stains for endogenous biotin. Each these structures further fraction mitochondria arise following initiation formation. fuse around chromatin structure we have called mitonucleon. Within mitonucleons, gaseous vacuole generated can be seen protrusions apical pressuring pyknotic state. Eventually pressure, together with whatever enzymatic occurred bolus chromatin, results DNA fragmentation. fragments drawn out through unipolar spindle are arrayed configuration appears open both epigenetic repair replication polyteny. fragmented stretched across syncytial space, hardly detectable light microscopy, becomes visible approximately half way differentiation as filaments thicken what looks like This “recycling” attached detached must include since number resulting domes greater than 30% or more. associates mass will “segment” polyploid then appear diploid 2 4 hours. When layer has filled syncytium, cellularized, forming rising up from arching fluid cavity. Dome extend gland-like same mitonucleon dependent amitotic process observed Some characteristics this resemble schizogony among single-celled eukaryotic parasites apicomplexan phylum. Mitonucleon initiated proliferation synthesis dozens cell hours, so it much more efficient mitosis. Cells their progeny would also not sensitive agents inhibit mitosis suggesting process, an alternative mitosis, might activated cancers resistant some cytotoxic drugs.