Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 is expressed in both Sertoli cells and metaphase spermatocytes.
OBJECTIVE
To gain insight into the function of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) in spermatogenesis.


METHODS
The expression of the Cdk5 protein was determined with the use of immunohistochemical and immunoblot analysis.


METHODS
Academic research laboratory.


METHODS
Adult mouse and archival human testicular tissue were used for the immunohistochemical analysis. Adult mice were used as the source of tissues for the immunoblot analysis.


METHODS
The immunohistochemical analysis was performed with an anti-Cdk5 antibody. The double immunohistochemical analysis was performed with anti-Cdk5 and alpha-tubulin antibodies. Immunoblotting was used to examine multiple mouse tissues for Cdk5 expression.


METHODS
Analysis of Cdk5 protein distribution.


RESULTS
Cdk5 was localized specifically within the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells and meiotic metaphase germ cells. The double immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated the co-localization of Cdk5 and alpha-tubulin within the Sertoli cells. Western blot analysis revealed a high level of expression of Cdk5 in the testicular lysate.


CONCLUSIONS
The cyclin-dependent kinases are known regulators of the cell cycle; however, Cdk5 expression previously has been described in terminally differentiated cells of the brain. The present evidence of an association between Cdk5 and microfilaments of Sertoli cells and meiotic metaphase germ cells suggests a role of Cdk5 in both seminiferous tubule function and meiosis.
Session
D R
DR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, Rochester 55905, USA. session.donna@mayo.edu
Fautsch
M P
MP
Avula
R
R
Jones
W R
WR
Nehra
A
A
Wieben
E D
ED
D000818:Animals; D002453:Cell Cycle; D051360:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5; D018844:Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D013090:Spermatocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D014404:Tubulin / Q000032:analysis
D014404:Tubulin; D051360:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5; C495905:CDK5 protein, human; C495906:Cdk5 protein, mouse; D018844:Cyclin-Dependent Kinases