Abstract
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.
Highlights
Integrin αV belongs to the heterodimeric transmembrane family of integrins, which are crucial receptors for cell–cell adhesion and cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins, and with their ligands play an irreplaceable role in successful fertilization and embryo development [1]
Owing to thfpeeorsdtislyiibznialtiatioymnoifpcnreoepvxaeprlefrseertsthiseliitgoyr-noreulonadfteddfoiprfrffouettreueirnnemtreaisnrekaterercgsh.riinnvsolivninggespremrmcpealtlhsoalongdiestfhoer tihme portance of αV integrin during fertilization, we aimed to investigate its mRNA expression during spermato2g
We selected fractions enriched by male germ cell subtypes using specific gene markers for spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, and round spermatids, which are summarized in Supplementary Table S1
Summary
Integrin αV ( called CD51) belongs to the heterodimeric transmembrane family of integrins, which are crucial receptors for cell–cell adhesion and cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins, and with their ligands play an irreplaceable role in successful fertilization and embryo development [1]. Integrin receptors can transduce the signal through the cell membrane in response to ligand binding, resulting in the regulation of intracellular pH via available free calcium ions or protein phosphorylation [2,3,4]. All these reactions are indispensable for sperm maturation and fertilization. RTPhEEiRs RhEeVItEeWrodimer was detected on the flagellum of mouse spermato2zoof 1a4 and could play a role in the fusion of oviductosomes that transport transmembrane proteins into the sperm [1g3ly]c.inTe–haespαarVticianctideg(RrGinD)wseaqsuefnocue,nrdesuoltninghiunmthae nrecaocgrnoitsioonmofef-irberoancetcetidn, svpitreornm- atozoa, and based oencteinm, opr iorsitceoaplodntainta[1, 1i,t12w],awshsicuhgargeepsrteesednttion bthee rceopnrofidnucetdivetotratcht eanidncnanerafafeccrtothseomal membrane [14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
