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The Dynamic of the Apical Ectoplasmic Specialization between Spermatids and Sertoli Cells : The Case of the Small GTPase Rap1
Joint Authors
Berruti, Giovanna
Paiardi, Chiara
Source
Issue
Vol. 2014, Issue 2014 (31 Dec. 2014), pp.1-9, 9 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2014-02-27
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
9
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Despite advances in assisted reproductive technologies, infertility remains a consistent health problem worldwide.
Spermiation is the process through which mature spermatids detach from the supporting Sertoli cells and are released into the tubule lumen.
Spermiation failure leads to lack of mature spermatozoa and, if not occasional, could result into azoospermia, major cause of male infertility in human population.
Spermatids are led through their differentiation into spermatozoa by the apical ectoplasmic specialization (aES), a testis-specific, actin-based anchoring junction restricted to the Sertoli-spermatid interface.
The aES helps spermatid movement across the seminiferous epithelium, promotes spermatid positioning, and prevents the release of immature spermatozoa.
To accomplish its functions, aES needs to undergo tightly and timely regulated restructuring.
Even if components of aES are partly known, the mechanism/s through which aES is regulated remains still elusive.
In this review, we propose a model by which the small GTPase Rap1 could regulate aES assembly/remodelling.
The characterization of key players in the dynamic of aES, such as Rap1, could open new possibility to develop prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for male patients under treatment for infertility as well as it could lead to the identification of new target for male contraception.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Berruti, Giovanna& Paiardi, Chiara. 2014. The Dynamic of the Apical Ectoplasmic Specialization between Spermatids and Sertoli Cells : The Case of the Small GTPase Rap1. BioMed Research International،Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-487006
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Berruti, Giovanna& Paiardi, Chiara. The Dynamic of the Apical Ectoplasmic Specialization between Spermatids and Sertoli Cells : The Case of the Small GTPase Rap1. BioMed Research International No. 2014 (2014), pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-487006
American Medical Association (AMA)
Berruti, Giovanna& Paiardi, Chiara. The Dynamic of the Apical Ectoplasmic Specialization between Spermatids and Sertoli Cells : The Case of the Small GTPase Rap1. BioMed Research International. 2014. Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-487006
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-487006