title: Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex: mRNA and protein expression patterns of E1α subunit genes in human spermatogenesis.
abstract: During spermatogenesis, germ cells undergo a complex process of cell differentiation and morphological restructuring, which depends on the coordinated expression of different genes. Some vital examples are those involved in cell energy metabolism, namely the genes encoding the E1α subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex: the somatic PDHA1 (X-linked) and the testis-specific PDHA2 (autosomal). There are no data related to the study at the RNA and protein levels of PDHA genes during human spermatogenesis. The present study aimed to describe the mRNA and protein expression patterns of the human PDHA genes during spermatogenesis. Expression profiles of the PDHA1 and PDHA2 genes were characterized using different human tissues and cells. Diploid and haploid germ cells fractions were obtained from testis tissues. The mRNA profiles were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR, whereas the protein profiles were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, western blotting and two-dimensional electrophoresis. Expression of the PDHA1 gene was found in all somatic cells, whereas expression of PDHA2 gene was restricted to germ cells. The switch from X-linked to autosomic gene expression occurred in spermatocytes. Data suggest the activation of PDHA2 gene expression is most probably a mechanism to ensure the continued expression of the protein, thus allowing germ cell viability and functionality.
authors: Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Portugal.
authors: Ana
authors: A
authors: Pinheiro
authors: Maria João
authors: MJ
authors: Silva
authors: Inês
authors: I
authors: Graça
authors: Joaquina
authors: J
authors: Silva
authors: Rosália
authors: R
authors: Sá
authors: Mário
authors: M
authors: Sousa
authors: Alberto
authors: A
authors: Barros
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Tavares de Almeida
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Rivera
mesh_terms: D002470:Cell Survival; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D050172:Genes, X-Linked; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D030481:Pyruvate Dehydrogenase (Lipoamide) / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013090:Spermatocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D030481:Pyruvate Dehydrogenase (Lipoamide); C065640:pyruvate dehydrogenase E1alpha subunit