Role of microtubule +TIPs and -TIPs in spermatogenesis – insights from studies of toxicant models

Publication date: Available online 19 November 2019Source: Reproductive ToxicologyAuthor(s): Bai-ping Mao, Renshan Ge, C. Yan ChengAbstractDuring spermatogenesis, preleptotene spermatocytes and haploid spermatids, lacking lamellipodia and filopodia to elicit cell movement rely on Sertoli cells for transport across the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and the adluminal compartment of the epithelium, respectively. Tracks provided by microtubules (MTs) across the epithelium are essential to support germ cell transport, but the mechanism(s) remain elusive. Studies have provided insightful information through the use of toxicant models. Herein, we summarize findings based on studies of the microtubule plus (+)-end tracking proteins (+TIPs) and the microtubule minus (-)-end targeting proteins (-TIPs), at the corresponding plus (+)-end and minus (-)-end of the polarized MTs in rat testes. We also provide a model by which + TIPs and -TIPs that work in concert with microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs; e.g., MAP-1a), MARKs (microtubule affinity-regulating kinases), and microtubule-specific motor proteins (e.g., dynein 1) to support germ cell transport. This thus provides a framework to design experiments for future studies.

Source: Reproductive Toxicology - November 19, 2019 Category: Toxicology Source Type: research