期刊
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY
卷 8, 期 6, 页码 308-314出版社
BLACKWELL SCIENCE ASIA
DOI: 10.1046/j.1442-2042.2001.00304.x
关键词
Apg-1; chaperone; gene expression; spermatogenesis; stress
Background: Apg-1 encodes a heat shock protein belonging to the Hsp110 family and is inducible by a 32 degreesC to 39 degreesC heat shock in somatic cells. In mouse testicular germ cells Apg-1 mRNA is constitutively expressed depending on the developmental stage. As human Apg-1 has recently been identified, the expression of Apg-1 in the human testis and sperm was investigated. Methods: Expression and heat-inducibility of Apg-1 in the human testicular germ cell tumor cell line, NEC8, was analyzed. Using an antimouse Apg-1 antibody, expression of Apg-1 in the human testis and sperm was examined by western blotting after confirmation of the specificity of the antibody. The cells expressing Apg-1 in the testis were further determined by immunohistochemistry. Results: Slight induction of Apg-1 mRNA was detected in NEC8 cells after 32 degreesC to 39 degreesC temperature shift. In the human testis, the antibody specifically recognized Apg-1, which was absent in the testis without germ cells (Sertoli-cell-only syndrome) or arrested at spermatogonia. Spermatocytes and spermatids, but not testicular somatic cells, were positively stained with the anti-Apg-1 antibody. By western blot analysis, Apg-1 was detected in the preparation enriched for sperm from normal volunteers and infertile patients, but not from azoospermia patients. Conclusion: Apg-1 is developmentally expressed in human testicular germ cells and sperm, suggesting its role in spermatogenesis and fertilization. Identification of substrates for Apg-1 chaperone activity will help elucidate its function.
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