Reproduction, egg morphology and development observed in Monographis queenslandicus (Diplopoda: Polyxenidae)

This study provides new insight into penicillate sexual behaviour and eggdevelopment as observed in Monographis queenslandicus Huynh et Veenstra, 2013 (Polyxenidae). The developing eggs were found to have two distinct stages, namely the chorion and pupoid, which both proved to be of 12–14 days duration. Both stages were characterized by distinctive external morphology. Morphological features observed pre ecdysis included the development of a smooth, tough membrane of the chorion. In contrast, the pupoid stage exhibited an embryonic cuticle with tiny spines, which were later being used to rupture the chorion. Additionally, an aperture bordered by protective sensilla located on the anterior of the pupoid is described for the first time.How to cite this article: Huynh C., Veenstra A.A. 2014. Reproduction, egg morphology and development observed in Monographis queenslandicus (Diplopoda: Polyxenidae)

Extracellular matrix induces formation of organoids and changes in cell surface morphology in cultured human breast carcinoma cells PMC42-LA

In the lactating breast, the development of secretory alveoli consisting of differentiated cells arranged around a central lumen is dependent on signals from the extracellular environment of the cells. There are few cell lines that model this process. We previously showed that the human breast carcinoma line PMC42-LA can be induced to form organoids, reminiscent of secretory alveoli found in the lactating human breast. In this report, we used high-resolution scanning electron microscopy to show that the formation of organoids is accompanied by development of cell surface microvilli. Extracellular matrix-induced formation of microvilli occurred on the internal and external surfaces of cells in the organoids and not on surfaces in contact with the extracellular matrix. Organoid formation of PMC42-LA cells induced a rearrangement of the extracellular matrix, seen in the form of radiating fibers from the organoids. In summary, there is an interaction between PMC42-LA cells and the underlying extracellular matrix, which leads to the formation of polarized cells with well-developed microvilli. This is accompanied by organization of the extracellular matrix. PMC42-LA is a relevant model of the human breast for investigations into cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.