Serine proteases and serine protease inhibitors in testicular physiology: the plasminogen activation system.
The testis is an organ in which a series of radical remodeling events occurs during development and in adult life. These events likely rely on a sophisticated network of proteases and complementary inhibitors, including the plasminogen activation system. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the testicular occurrence and expression pattern of members of the plasminogen activation system. The various predicted functions for these molecules in the establishment and maintenance of the testicular architecture and in the process of spermatogenesis are presented.
Inserm U418, UCBL1, UMR INRA 1245, Hôpital Debrousse, 29 rue Soeur Bouvier, 69322 Lyon Cedex 05, France. lemagueresse@lyon.inserm.fr
Brigitte
B
Le Magueresse-Battistoni
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010960:Plasminogen Activators / Q000378:metabolism*; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D015842:Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology*
D015842:Serine Proteinase Inhibitors; D010960:Plasminogen Activators; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases