Submitted January 9, 2007
Returned for revision February 15, 2007
Accepted June 11, 2007
Testis
Changes in Vinexin Expression Patterns in the Mouse Testis Induced by Developmental Exposure to 17Beta-Estradiol
Maria Paz ,
Pedro P. López-Casas ,
and
Jesús del Mazo *
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jdelmazo{at}cib.csic.es.
Abstract
In the seminiferous epithelium, a complex variety of cell interactions between Sertoli cells and Sertoli-germ cells are established by specialized proteins to maintain the functionality of the testis. Exogenous estrogen exposure can result in alterations of these interactions and cause pathologies, including impaired spermatogenesis and tumours. In the present paper, with the aim of finding markers of the action of estrogenic compounds in the mammalian testis, we have focused on investigating molecules linked to cellular junctions. We found that the testicular vinexin (sorbin and SH3 domain containing protein 3, encoded by the Sorbs3 gene) pattern suffered significant changes after developmental exposure to 17beta-estradiol (E2). Vinexin is an adaptor protein implicated in cell adhesion and actin-cytoskeletal reorganization. We characterized, at the protein and mRNA levels, the expression patterns of vinexin isoforms during testis development and in defined cell types from the seminiferous tubule. The protein expression patterns of vinexin-interacting proteins, flotillin 1 and vinculin, have also been analyzed. We here identify a novel association of a vinexin isoform to germ cells, which contrasts with the predominant localization of the gamma isoform in Sertoli cells. The effects of 17beta-estradiol on testes of developmental exposed mice were evident, with a total depletion of the germ-cell-associated vinexin isoform and a noticeable decrease in the Sertoli-cell-related vinexin gamma.
Key words:
Testis •
Estradiol •
Gene regulation •
Sertoli cells •
Spermatogenesis
