The study of regulatory mechanisms of spermatogenic cell differentiation by cell adhesion molecules

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25460241
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: General anatomy (including histology/embryology)
• Research Institution: Kumamoto University (2015-2016); Kanazawa University (2013-2014)
• Principal Investigator: Wakayama Tomohiko 熊本大学, 大学院生命科学研究部(医), 教授 (70305100)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): KATO Yukio 金沢大学, 医薬保健研究域薬学系, 教授 (30251440)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 精巣 / 精子形成 / 細胞接着分子 / 不妊症 / 精子完成 / セルトリ細胞 / アダプター蛋白質

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The cell adhesion molecule-1 (CADM1) is expressed in only spermatogenic cells but not Sertoli or Leydig cells. CADM1 expressed in spermatogenic cells interacts with Poliovirus receptor on Sertoli cells. CADM1-deficient mice represent male infertility due to defective spermatogenesis, in which spermatids are detached and the remaining spermatids show abnormal morphology. We could identify B-box and SPRY-domain containing protein (BSPRY) as an adaptor protein of CADM1 by yeast-two hybrid method. To clarify the expression and cellular localization of BSPRY in testis of wild type and CADM1-deficient mice. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that BSPRY is localized in the step 11 to 16 spermatids. The levels of BSPRY in CADM1-deficient mice decreased by 70% compared with wild type ones by western blot analysis. These results suggested that the deficiency of CADM1 caused that the expression of its adaptor protein BSPRY decreased in elongating spermatids.

Free Research Field

組織学　組織化学　生殖生物学