N‐cadherin mediates sertoli cell‐spermatogenic cell adhesion

Abstract

The complex topological association of Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells in the testis suggests the existence of cell surface adhesion molecules that regulate cellular interactions within the seminiferous epithelium. The recent report of N-cadherin mRNA expression in the mouse testis implies the involvement of this known adhesion molecule in testicular cell binding. Accordingly, here we report that (1) N-cadherin is found on the surface membranes of rat spermatogenic cells and on Sertoli cells, and (2) that N-cadherin is a partial mediator of Sertoli cell-germ cell adhesion as tested in an in vitro cellcell binding assay. Antiserum directed against the N-cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence was used for Western blot analysis of purified plasma membranes from Sertoli cells and from spermatogenic cells. Both membrane preparations exhibited reactivity at an appropriate M, of about 130 kDa. In addition, immunofluorescence assays demonstrated that both germ cells and Sertoli cells were labeled by anti-N-cadherin. Finally, the antiserum was included in a cytometer-assisted cell-cell binding test to determine its inhibitory ability. The antiserum consistently reduced specific testicular cell-cell adhesion by 30%-50%. This is the first demonstration that antibodies directed against the cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence are capable of inhibiting cell-cell interactions. Pre-incubation of either rat Sertoli cells or spermatogenic cells alone was sufficient to achieve statistically significant inhibition of intercellular adhesion. We conclude, therefore, that N-cadherin is expressed by both Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells and that N-cadherin is one of a number of regulatory molecules mediating local cellular associations in the mammalian seminiferous tubule. o 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Vezatin, a ubiquitous protein of adherens cell–cell junctions, is exclusively expressed in germ cells in mouse testis

“…Despite its well-established and documented function in various epithelia, the role of the cadherin-catenin complex in the testis still remains elusive. The three basic members of the complex, N-cadherin, a-, and b-catenin are present at the ectoplasmic specialization (Newton et al 1993, Byers et al 1994, Goossens & van Roy 2005. However, the only functional evidence for a direct implication of the complex in spermiogenesis comes from in vitro data: application of an anti-N-cadherin antibody on cultured Sertoli cells, abrogates Sertoli-germ cell interactions (Newton et al 1993).…”

A Novel Family of Cyclic Peptide Antagonists Suggests That N-cadherin Specificity Is Determined by Amino Acids That Flank the HAV Motif

“…In this context, synthetic peptides containing the HAV motif (for example, N-Ac-LRAHAVDING-NH 2 ) have been shown to be capable of inhibiting cadherin-dependent biological processes, such as myoblast fusion (19), neurite outgrowth (8), and embryo compaction (18). Furthermore, antibodies directed against the HAV sequence are also capable of disrupting cadherin-dependent cell adhesion (5,20,21).…”

“…In this context, synthetic peptides containing the HAV motif (for example, N-Ac-LRAHAVDING-NH 2 ) have been shown to be capable of inhibiting cadherin-dependent biological processes, such as myoblast fusion (19), neurite outgrowth (8), and embryo compaction (18). Furthermore, antibodies directed against the HAV sequence are also capable of disrupting cadherin-dependent cell adhesion (5,20,21).Crystal studies have demonstrated that N-cadherin ECD1 monomers will form two types of dimeric structure, one that might reflect a trans adhesion interface, and one that might reflect the formation of a cis dimer (22). Interestingly, the HAV motif is part of a ␤CFG strand that forms one face of the trans adhesion dimer; however, only the histidine and valine make lattice contacts, and these account for less than 5% of the adhesion interface.…”

Effects of Vitamins E and C on Freezed-Thawed Immature Mice Testis

“…In this study, formation of vacuole and shrinkage of the layer of epithelial cells is clearly seen in the control group, but the experimental groups did not show this damage at all or rarely show. This vacuole can result in a loss of cellular connections or reduction of adhesive molecules such as cadherin or loss of generative cells [24]. Peroxidation of poly unsaturated fatty acids of the membrane disturbs the function and permeability of the membrane, resulting in cell destruction and death.…”