AKAP9 is essential for spermatogenesis and sertoli cell maturation in mice.
Title | AKAP9 is essential for spermatogenesis and sertoli cell maturation in mice. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2013 |
Authors | Schimenti, KJ, Feuer, SK, Griffin, LB, Graham, NR, Bovet, CA, Hartford, S, Pendola, J, Lessard, C, Schimenti, JC, Ward, JO |
Journal | Genetics |
Volume | 194 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 447-57 |
Date Published | 2013 Jun |
ISSN | 1943-2631 |
Keywords | A Kinase Anchor Proteins, Animals, Anti-Mullerian Hormone, Connexin 43, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27, Gap Junctions, Male, Meiosis, Mice, Mice, Mutant Strains, Microtubule-Associated Proteins, Organ Specificity, Protein Transport, Sertoli Cells, Spermatogenesis, Spermatozoa, Spindle Apparatus, Thyroid Hormone Receptors alpha, Tight Junctions, Zonula Occludens-1 Protein |
Abstract | <p>Mammalian male fertility relies on complex inter- and intracellular signaling during spermatogenesis. Here we describe three alleles of the widely expressed A-kinase anchoring protein 9 (Akap9) gene, all of which cause gametogenic failure and infertility in the absence of marked somatic phenotypes. Akap9 disruption does not affect spindle nucleation or progression of prophase I of meiosis but does inhibit maturation of Sertoli cells, which continue to express the immaturity markers anti-Mullerian hormone and thyroid hormone receptor alpha in adults and fail to express the maturation marker p27(Kip1). Furthermore, gap and tight junctions essential for blood-testis barrier (BTB) organization are disrupted. Connexin43 (Cx43) and zona occludens-1 are improperly localized in Akap9 mutant testes, and Cx43 fails to compartmentalize germ cells near the BTB. These results identify and support a novel reproductive tissue-specific role for Akap9 in the coordinated regulation of Sertoli cells in the testis.</p> |
DOI | 10.1534/genetics.113.150789 |
Alternate Journal | Genetics |
Refereed Designation | Refereed |
Full Text | |
PubMed ID | 23608191 |