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Abstract
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FN1 (fibronectin 1) is a glycoprotein expressed in plasma, the cell surface, and the extracellular matrix as soluble dimeric or multimeric forms. A mature protein is generated by proteolytically processing the encoded preproprotein. A wide range of processes are affected by fibronectin, including embryogenesis, wound healing, blood coagulation, host defense, and metastasis. The purpose of this study was to determine how FN1 expression varies between undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia. Through immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction, we examined FN1 expression in vivo and in vitro. IMH data indicated that FN1 expression was minimal in the basal membrane but high in the center of seminiferous tubules. Separated differentiated spermatogonia were positive for FN1 antibody expression on ICC analysis, whereas undifferentiated spermatogonia were negative. Based on Fluidigm's real-time PCR analysis, there was a significant increase in FN1 expression in differentiated spermatogonia over undifferentiated spermatogonia (p 0.05). In testicular germ cell differentiation and spermatogenesis, FN1 plays important roles, and it is increased during FN1 synthesis. These findings are based on cutting-edge in vitro and in vivo studies of the spermatogenic process.
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