期刊论文详细信息
International Journal of Molecular Sciences 卷:21
The Central Role of Cadherins in Gonad Development, Reproduction, and Fertility
JacekZ. Kubiak1  Paulina Mizia2  RafałP. Piprek2  Malgorzata Kloc3 
[1] Cycle Group, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, Faculty of Medicine, UnivRennes, UMR 6290 CNRS/UR1, F-35000 Rennes, France;
[2] Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
[3] The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
关键词: cadherin;    cell adhesion;    fertilization;    folliculogenesis;    gamete;    germ cells;   
DOI  :  10.3390/ijms21218264
来源: DOAJ
【 摘 要 】

Cadherins are a group of membrane proteins responsible for cell adhesion. They are crucial for cell sorting and recognition during the morphogenesis, but they also play many other roles such as assuring tissue integrity and resistance to stretching, mechanotransduction, cell signaling, regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, survival, carcinogenesis, etc. Within the cadherin superfamily, E- and N-cadherin have been especially well studied. They are involved in many aspects of sexual development and reproduction, such as germline development and gametogenesis, gonad development and functioning, and fertilization. E-cadherin is expressed in the primordial germ cells (PGCs) and also participates in PGC migration to the developing gonads where they become enclosed by the N-cadherin-expressing somatic cells. The differential expression of cadherins is also responsible for the establishment of the testis or ovary structure. In the adult testes, N-cadherin is responsible for the integrity of the seminiferous epithelium, regulation of sperm production, and the establishment of the blood–testis barrier. Sex hormones regulate the expression and turnover of N-cadherin influencing the course of spermatogenesis. In the adult ovaries, E- and N-cadherin assure the integrity of ovarian follicles and the formation of corpora lutea. Cadherins are expressed in the mature gametes and facilitate the capacitation of sperm in the female reproductive tract and gamete contact during fertilization. The germ cells and accompanying somatic cells express a series of different cadherins; however, their role in gonads and reproduction is still unknown. In this review, we show what is known and unknown about the role of cadherins in the germline and gonad development, and we suggest topics for future research.

【 授权许可】

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