The Expression of Adhesion Molecules in the Sertoli Cells and Germ Cells of Male Mice That Lack the Basigin Gene
This research project focused on a particular protein named Basigin and its role in the sperm-Sertoli cell interaction during spermatogenesis in the mouse testis. Basigin (Bsg) is a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, and is located in the cell membranes of germ cells and Sertoli Cells in the mouse testis. Male mice lacking the Basigin gene are infertile due to the lost of sperm at the beginning of meiosis, specifically at the mid pachytene stage of prophase I. Using immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis to compare wild type, heterozygous and knockout adult mouse testis for the Basigin gene, we identified the expression of the adhesion molecules N-cadherin, Connexin 43 and CAR (coxsackie and adenovirus receptor). These adhesion molecules have been proven to be crucial in the development of the testis and the process of spermatogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that the lack of Basigin affects the expression patterns of these adhesion molecules in a negative way, which could explain the loss of germ cells in knockout mice. Expression of Connexin 43 and CAR was found to be not altered in the Basigin knockout mouse testes. But, expression of N-cadherin was slightly reduced in the germ cells of the basal layer of the seminiferous tubule. Overall, basigin may itself be crucial for attachment of developing sperm to the Sertoli cells.
School:
University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón
Department:
Human Biology
Research Advisor:
Romana Nowak
Department of Research Advisor:
Animal Sciences
Year of Publication:
2007