Journal
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
Volume 382, Issue 2, Pages 381-390Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03225-6
Keywords
Niemann-Pick type 2C (NPC2); M; rosenbergii; Sperm maturation; Cholesterol transportation; Reproductive tract
Categories
Funding
- Thammasat University [084/2561]
- Thailand Research Fund [RSA5980029]
- Mahidol University [RSA5980029]
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Sequestering of cholesterol (CHO) is a hallmark molecular event that is known to be associated with sperm gaining their fertilizing ability in a broad array of animals. We have shown previously that the level of CHO declines in theMacrobrachium rosenbergiisperm membrane when they are migrating into the vas deferens, prompting us to search for CHO transporters, one of which is Niemann-Pick type 2C (NPC2), within the prawn male reproductive tract. Sequence comparison of MrNPC2 with other NPC2, from crustaceans to mammals, revealed its conserved features in the hydrophobic cavity with 3 amino acids forming a CHO lid that is identical in all species analyzed. Expressions of MrNPC2 transcript and protein were detected in testicular supporting and interstitial cells and along the epithelial cells of the vas deferens. As confirmed by live cell staining, the testicular sperm (Tsp) surface was devoid of MrNPC2 but it first existed on the vas deferens sperm, suggesting its acquisition from the luminal fluid, possibly through trafficking of multi-lamellar vesicles during sperm transit in the vas deferens. We further showed that recombinant MrNPC2 had a high affinity towards CHO in the lipid extracts, either from Tsp or from lipid vesicles in the vas deferens. Together, our results indicated the presence of MrNPC2 in the male reproductive tract, which may play an important role as a CHO modulator between the sperm membrane and vas deferens epithelial communication.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available