αV Integrin Expression and Localization in Male Germ Cells.

Veronika Palenikova, Michaela Frolikova, Eliska Valaskova, Pavla Postlerova, Katerina Komrskova

International journal of molecular sciences 2021 Sep 02

filter terms:

Integrins are transmembrane receptors that facilitate cell adhesion and cell-extracellular matrix communication. They are involved in the sperm maturation including capacitation and gamete interaction, resulting in successful fertilization. αV integrin belongs to the integrin glycoprotein superfamily, and it is indispensable for physiological spermiogenesis and testosterone production. We targeted the gene and protein expression of the αV integrin subunit and described its membrane localization in sperm. Firstly, in mouse, we traced αV integrin gene expression during spermatogenesis in testicular fraction separated by elutriation, and we detected gene activity in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and round spermatids. Secondly, we specified αV integrin membrane localization in acrosome-intact and acrosome-reacted sperm and compared its pattern between mouse, pig, and human. Using immunodetection and structured illumination microscopy (SIM), the αV integrin localization was confined to the plasma membrane covering the acrosomal cap area and also to the inner acrosomal membrane of acrosome-intact sperm of all selected species. During the acrosome reaction, which was induced on capacitated sperm, the αV integrin relocated and was detected over the whole sperm head. Knowledge of the integrin pattern in mature sperm prepares the ground for further investigation into the pathologies and related fertility issues in human medicine and veterinary science.

Citation

Veronika Palenikova, Michaela Frolikova, Eliska Valaskova, Pavla Postlerova, Katerina Komrskova. αV Integrin Expression and Localization in Male Germ Cells. International journal of molecular sciences. 2021 Sep 02;22(17)