Localization of proteins involved in endocytosis at tubulobulbar complexes in rat testes
Open Access
- 1 January 2014
- journal article
- Published by Scientific Research Publishing, Inc. in Advances in Reproductive Sciences
- Vol. 02 (01), 1-7
- https://doi.org/10.4236/arsci.2014.21001
Abstract
Tubulobulbar Complexes (TBCs) are actin-rich structures formed between Sertoli-cells and spermatids at the time of sperm release. The main functions of the TBCs are to remove excess spermatid cytoplasm and acrosomal contents, internalize and recycle junctional complexes by endocytosis prior to spermiation. However, in addition to recycling some of the molecules undergo lysosomal degradation. The molecular machinery involved in endocytosis at the TBCs is not well understood. To bridge this gap localization of various proteins, involved at various steps of endocytosis studied in other systems, was demonstrated in TBCs using testicular fragmented material or sections by immunoblotting and immunofluroscence. The presence of key molecules like Vamp-2, syntaxin and Lamp-2 indicates occurrence of lysosomal degradation in addition to junctional recycling at the TBCs present at the time of sperm release. TBCs are endocytic devices functioning to recycle junctional molecules or remove spermatid cytoplasm that were present between spermatids and Sertoli-cells all through the process of spermatid maturation and in turn regulate male fertility.Keywords
This publication has 18 references indexed in Scilit:
- Tubulobulbar complex: Cytoskeletal remodeling to release spermatozoaReproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 2012
- SpermiationSpermatogenesis, 2011
- Cytoskeletal dynamics and spermatogenesisPhilosophical Transactions B, 2010
- Structure of clathrin coat with bound Hsc70 and auxilin: mechanism of Hsc70-facilitated disassemblyThe EMBO Journal, 2009
- Cortactin (CTTN), N-WASP (WASL), and Clathrin (CLTC) Are Present at Podosome-Like Tubulobulbar Complexes in the Rat Testis1Biology of Reproduction, 2009
- Tubulobulbar Complexes Are Intercellular Podosome-Like Structures That Internalize Intact Intercellular Junctions During Epithelial Remodeling Events in the Rat Testis1Biology of Reproduction, 2009
- LAMP proteins are required for fusion of lysosomes with phagosomesThe EMBO Journal, 2007
- The role of dynamin 3 in the testisJournal of Cellular Physiology, 2006
- The Appendage Domain of α-Adaptin Is a High Affinity Binding Site for DynaminOnline Journal of Public Health Informatics, 1995
- Maturation models for endosome and lysosome biogenesisTrends in Cell Biology, 1991