Expression and potential function of Rho family small G proteins in cells of the mammalian seminiferous epithelium.
Dynamic cellular rearrangements involving the actin cytoskeleton are required of both Sertoli and germ cells during spermatogenesis. Rho family small G proteins have been implicated in the control of the actin cytoskeleton in numerous cell types. Therefore, RhoA and Rac1 were investigated in Sertoli and germ cells. RhoA and Rac1 have been detected at both the mRNA and protein levels in these cells. In addition, Sertoli cell L-selectin is shown to interact with actin binding proteins, potentially providing a link between L-selectin and Rac1 signaling. Finally, inactivation of Sertoli cell Rho family proteins yields disruption of the actin cytoskeleton.
Freeman
Edward A
EA
Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina 29209, USA.
Jani
Purnima
P
Millette
Clarke E
CE
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D019041:L-Selectin / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D051381:Rats; D012670:Seminiferous Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism*; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism*; D020830:rac1 GTP-Binding Protein / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D020742:rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D019041:L-Selectin; D020830:rac1 GTP-Binding Protein; D020742:rhoA GTP-Binding Protein