title: Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 is expressed in both Sertoli cells and metaphase spermatocytes.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, Rochester 55905, USA. session.donna@mayo.edu
authors: D R
authors: DR
authors: Session
authors: M P
authors: MP
authors: Fautsch
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Avula
authors: W R
authors: WR
authors: Jones
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Nehra
authors: E D
authors: ED
authors: Wieben
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D014404:Tubulin; D051360:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5; C495905:CDK5 protein, human; C495906:Cdk5 protein, mouse; D018844:Cyclin-Dependent Kinases