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E M Eddy

Publications and source records attributed to E M Eddy.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Characterization of Fsc1 cDNA for a mouse sperm fibrous sheath component.

The fibrous sheath is a major cytoskeletal structure in the principal piece of the mammalian sperm flagellum. We have cloned a cDNA and used it to characterize the expression of mRNA for a mouse sperm fibrous sheath protein. Peptides from a tryptic digest of fibrous sheath proteins were separated by HPLC and a 31 amino acid sequence was obtained from one of the peptides. Through the use of degenerate oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers predicted from this sequence, an 80-bp product was amplified from mouse testis first-strand cDNA. This was utilized as a probe to isolate a 2.9-kb cDNA clone from a mouse round spermatid cDNA library. Sequence analysis of the cDNA clone showed that it encodes a protein with an open reading frame of 849 amino acids and includes the original peptide sequence. The predicted protein has a molecular weight of 93,795 and contains 32 cysteine residues and 32 potential phosphorylation sites. It has no significant homology with other known cytoskeletal proteins. Northern blot analysis detected an mRNA of approximately 3 kb that was abundant in round spermatids of the mouse and in testes from six other mammalian species, but not in twelve somatic tissues from the mouse. In situ hybridization analysis indicated that the mRNA is first detected in step 1-6 spermatids, is most abundant in step 8-12 spermatids, and decreases in amount in step 13-15 spermatids, suggesting that expression of the mRNA occurs in the postmeiotic phase of spermatogenesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of mannose 6-phosphate receptor messenger ribonucleic acids in mouse spermatogenic and Sertoli cells.

Spermatogenic and Sertoli cells isolated from the mouse synthesize different proportions of the two mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPR) during overnight culture periods (O'Brien et al., Endocrinology 1989; 125:2973). To determine the relative expression of MPR mRNAs in these cells, poly(A)+ RNAs were examined by Northern blot analysis using cDNA probes specific for the cation-independent (CI) and cation-dependent (CD) MPRs. A single CI-MPR transcript, approximately 10 kb in size, was present in all tissues and cell types examined. Like the CI-MPR protein, this transcript was more abundant in Sertoli cells than in spermatogenic cells isolated from adult testes. The CD-MPR is the predominant MPR synthesized by pachytene spermatocytes or round spermatids. Multiple CD-MPR transcripts were detected in these cells, including a 2.4-kb CD-MPR mRNA that was indistinguishable from CD-MPR transcripts in somatic tissues and Sertoli cells. Smaller CD-MPR mRNAs of approximately 1.4 and 1.6 kb were prominent in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, respectively, but were faint or undetectable in somatic tissues. These smaller CD-MPR mRNAs did not hybridize with an 0.9-kb restriction fragment derived from the CD-MPR 3' untranslated region (UTR), suggesting that alternate polyadenylation signals are used to produce multiple CD-MPR transcripts in spermatogenic cells. When poly(A) tracts were selectively removed from germ cell RNAs by ribonuclease H treatment, identical 1.3-kb CD-MPR mRNAs were detected in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, indicating that the size difference between the 1.4- and 1.6-kb transcripts is due to variations in poly(A) tail length.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Aberrant reproductive phenotypes evident in transgenic mice expressing the wild-type mouse estrogen receptor.

The estrogen receptor (ER) acts as a transcription factor to regulate multiple cellular functions involved in normal physiology, differentiation, and reproduction. To date, there is no known animal model for studying aberrant ER expression. Therefore, we created transgenic mice expressing the wild-type mouse ER under the control of the mouse metallothionein-I (MT) promoter to determine whether overexpression of the ER would disrupt normal reproductive processes. Five male and one female founder mice were produced, and all were fertile. The progeny from these mice were screened for MT-mER expression by the ribonuclease protection assay. Mice in all six lines were found to express the transgene in a variety of tissues, although generally at low levels. The highest level of expression was observed in the female reproductive tract of line E. Females in all six lines demonstrated aberrant reproductive phenotypes involving processes at parturition and, with some of the lines, a tendency toward reduced fertility. Gestational length was prolonged up to 4 days beyond the normal gestation of 19 days, providing evidence of delayed parturition. In addition, prolonged labor (up to 3 days in length to deliver all pups) and labors requiring cesarean sections for maternal survival demonstrated the occurrence of dystocia in the MT-mER females. As maternal age increased, the incidence of stillborn litters, delayed parturition, and dystocia approached 100% in the transgenic dams. Difficulties at parturition were not observed in nontransgenic control females. These phenotypes suggest that the mechanisms regulating parturition may be perturbed by improper expression of the ER. The MT-mER transgenic mice may provide a novel approach for studying the estrogen-regulated signals involved in parturition and fertility as well as a unique animal model for the human reproductive phenotypes of delayed parturition and dystocia.

Animals↗

Characterization of laminin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid and protein expression in mouse spermatogenic cells.

A cDNA proposed to encode the mouse laminin receptor (MLR) was isolated from a mouse round spermatid expression library. The cDNA contained complete coding and 3' untranslated regions but was missing the first 42 bases from the 5' untranslated region. Northern blot analysis using a 3' EcoRI fragment of the cDNA identified a 1.2-kb transcript in mouse testes and all somatic tissues tested. Additional transcripts of 1.3 and 0.9 kb were present in round spermatids isolated from mouse testes. Northern blots using ribonuclease (RNase) H-treated poly(A)+ RNA indicated that the difference in the size of 1.3-kb round spermatid transcripts and 1.2-kb transcripts was due to differing poly(A)+ tail lengths. The 0.9-kb round spermatid transcript hybridized to all but the 5' end of the 1.2-kb MLR cDNA, suggesting that an alternate start site is used or that transcript processing occurs in these cells. Immunoblot analysis identified proteins in spermatogenic cells corresponding to the 67-70-kDa MLR and its 43-kDa precursor. In addition, ligand binding studies and affinity chromatography procedures indicated that spermatogenic cell proteins of these sizes bind laminin. However, spermatocytes and spermatids are spatially isolated from laminin in the testes, and MLR may have other functions in these cells.

Animals↗

Unique hexokinase messenger ribonucleic acids lacking the porin-binding domain are developmentally expressed in mouse spermatogenic cells.

We have identified cDNAs representing three hexokinase mRNAs (Hk1-sa, Hk1-sb, Hk1-sc) by screening mouse spermatogenic cell cDNA libraries with a mouse hepatoma cell line hexokinase (Hk1) cDNA [Arora KK, Fanciulli M, Pederson PL. J Biol Chem 1990; 265:6481-6488]. Although all three cDNAs show 99% identity to the somatic Hk1 cDNA sequence throughout most of their coding region, they differ from this sequence at the 5' end. They contain a common spermatogenic cell-specific sequence and a sequence unique to each cDNA immediately 5' to the common domain. However, they lack the porin-binding domain (PBD) present in this region of Hk1, used for binding to a pore-forming protein in the outer mitochondrial membrane. These observations appear to support a model proposed by others for hexokinase gene evolution in mammals. In addition, we found that Hk1-sb has an internal sequence that is not present in Hk1, Hk1-sa, or Hk1-sc. Moreover, Hk1-sa and Hk1-sb transcripts are developmentally expressed in mouse spermatogenic cells. Hk1-sa mRNA is first expressed during meiosis and continues to be present in postmeiotic germ cells, while the more abundant Hk1-sb mRNA is detected only in postmeiotic germ cells. These and other findings suggest that enzymes encoded by Hk1-sa, Hk1-sb, and Hk1-sc are present only in spermatogenic cells.

Aging↗

Mouse Sertoli cells secrete mannose 6-phosphate containing glycoproteins that are endocytosed by spermatogenic cells.

Sertoli cells were isolated from prepubertal mice and cultured in serum-free medium to determine whether they secrete glycoproteins containing mannose 6-phosphate (M6P). Assays of the conditioned medium for lysosomal enzyme precursors, which typically bear the M6P recognition marker, indicated that Sertoli cells selectively secreted beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase and alpha-mannosidase, but not beta-glucuronidase or beta-galactosidase. Sertoli cells were labeled metabolically with [35S]methionine and the conditioned medium was fractionated on a cation-independent M6P receptor affinity column. Most of the secreted proteins did not bind to the column (peak A); however, approximately 10% of the radioactivity eluted as a low-affinity fraction (peak B), and 5-11% of the recovered cpm bound to the column and were eluted with 2.5 mM M6P (peak C). The radiolabeled proteins in each fraction were analyzed by one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis and fluorography. Two protein bands with molecular weights of 30,000 and 35,000 were present in peak B. Peak C contained at least ten M6P-containing glycoproteins with molecular weights between 30,000 and 135,000 and isoelectric points < 6.5. The 35,000-molecular-weight constituent prominent both in peaks B and C was identified as procathepsin L by immunoprecipitation with a specific antibody. When pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids were cultured overnight in the presence of peak C glycoproteins radiolabeled with 125I, both germ cell types accumulated these Sertoli M6P-glycoproteins by a receptor-mediated process that was specifically inhibited by M6P. The Sertoli M6P-glycoproteins taken up by germ cells were processed to lower molecular weight forms. These results provide evidence that M6P receptors on the surface of spermatogenic cells endocytose secrete glycoproteins that are likely to be present in the seminiferous epithelium.

Animals↗

Identification of the gene for the developmentally expressed 70 kDa heat-shock protein (P70) of mouse spermatogenic cells.

Mouse spermatogenic cells synthesize a 70-kDa protein (P70) closely related to the major heat-shock protein (hsp70) of mammalian cells (R. L. Allen, D. A. O'Brien, and E. M. Eddy, Mol. Cell. Biol. 8, 828-832, 1988). Expression of P70 is developmentally regulated while hsp70 is induced in response to stress, suggesting that P70 is the product of a unique member of the Hsp70 multigene family transcribed in spermatogenic cells. A strong candidate for this gene was the Hsp70.2 gene (Z. F. Zakeri, D. J. Wolgemuth, and C. R. Hunt, Mol. Cell. Biol. 8, 2925-2932, 1988). A DNA segment from the 5' region of Hsp70.2 hybridized to a 2.7-kb transcript with a temporal pattern of expression in mouse spermatogenic cells similar to the P70 protein. We used a polyclonal antiserum generated against a synthetic peptide predicted from the Hsp70.2 sequence to characterize its protein product and to isolate cDNA clones from a pachytene spermatocyte expression library. The antiserum reacted specifically with meiotic and postmeiotic spermatogenic cells on sections of mouse testis. It recognized the P70 protein on Western blots of two-dimensional gels and did not bind to other heat-shock proteins of spermatogenic or somatic cells. The cDNAs hybridized to a 2.7-kb mRNA that was abundant in unstressed pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids but was not detected in other cell types. Two cDNAs were sequenced and found to be 99% homologous to the 3' end of the Hsp70.2 gene. These data strongly supported the hypothesis that P70 is the expressed product of the Hsp70.2 gene in mouse spermatogenic cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

In situ localization of spermatogenic cell-specific glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapd-s) messenger ribonucleic acid in mice.

Northern blot analysis with a cDNA clone for mouse spermatogenic cell-specific glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapd-s) previously identified transcripts in isolated round spermatids, but not in isolated pachytene spermatocytes, strongly suggesting that Gapd-s transcription first occurs in haploid germ cells. In the present study, in situ hybridization was carried out with a [35S]-labeled anti-sense RNA probe of Gapd-s to define more precisely the temporal expression and spatial distribution of Gapd-s mRNA in adult mouse testes. Gapd-s transcripts were not detected in spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, or spermatozoa. However, they were abundant in round spermatids and condensing spermatids. Transcripts were not detected in somatic cells of the testis, in oocytes in pre-antral or antral follicles, or in skeletal muscle. Grain counts were used to define when the Gapd-s gene was expressed during round spermatid development in adult mice. The number of silver grains first exceeded background levels in step 4-6 spermatids (early cap phase of spermiogenesis) and were high in step 7-15 spermatids (acrosome and elongation phases of spermiogenesis). However, they returned to background levels in step 16 spermatids, the final step of spermiogenesis in the mouse. In 20-day-old juvenile mice, Gapd-s transcripts were first detected in round spermatids during the early cap phase of development. These observations confirmed that Gapd-s mRNA is expressed during the post-meiotic phase of male germ cell development, demonstrated that Gapd-s transcripts are present in step 4-15 spermatids, and established that transcription begins in round spermatids during the early cap phase of spermiogenesis in both juvenile and adult mice.

Animals↗

Expression of a glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene specific to mouse spermatogenic cells.

A cDNA clone encoding a putative glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPD-S) protein specific to spermatogenic cells was isolated from a mouse spermatogenic cell expression library. The Gapd-s cDNA contained 1451 bp of transcribed sequence, including an ATG initiation codon and a poly(A) addition signal. The location of the Gapd-s initiation codon differed from that of other Gapd sequences, resulting in a germ cell GAPD-S protein predicted to contain 105 additional residues at the amino terminus. While GAPD is constitutively expressed in somatic tissues, Northern blot analysis demonstrated that a Gapd-s probe hybridized to a 1.5-kb transcript present only in the testis. The Gapd-s mRNA was first detected during postnatal development in the testes of 20-day-old mice, suggesting that gene expression begins shortly after the appearance of haploid round spermatids. Northern analysis of RNA from isolated mouse pachytene spermatocytes and spermatids confirmed that Gapd-s expression is confined to post-meiotic germ cells. GAPD has been previously proposed to be the key enzyme regulating glycolysis in isolated round spermatids. We hypothesize that the GAPD-S enzyme plays an important role in regulating the switch between different pathways for energy production during spermiogenesis and in the spermatozoon.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Unique adenosine 3',5' cyclic monophosphate phosphodiesterase messenger ribonucleic acids in rat spermatogenic cells: evidence for differential gene expression during spermatogenesis.

Four cAMP phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE) genes (ratPDE1, ratPDE2, ratPDE3, and ratPDE4) are expressed in the rat testis (Swinnen et al., PNAS USA 1989; 86:5325). Since multiple ratPDE1 and ratPDE2 mRNAs were present in male germ cells, their developmental expression was investigated by using purified spermatogenic cell populations. RatPDE1 mRNAs (4.0 and 2.8 kb) were found to be abundant in pachytene spermatocytes. RatPDE1 mRNA levels were decreased in round spermatids and absent from condensing spermatids/residual bodies. However, multiple ratPDE2 mRNAs (4.0, 3.5, 3.1, 2.8, and 2.4 kb) were abundant in round spermatids, and lower amounts were present in condensing spermatids/residual bodies. Transcripts related to ratPDE2 were also present in mouse round spermatids. Chromatography of germ cell cytosol identified two peaks of cAMP-PDE activity. Whereas peak A was evident in all germ cell populations examined, peak B was present in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, but was at the limit of detection in condensing spermatids/residual bodies. The large decrease in peak B activity in condensing spermatids/residual bodies may be related to the drop in ratPDE1 mRNA levels observed during spermatogenesis. The sustained peak A activity in condensing spermatids/residual bodies coincides with the presence of ratPDE2 mRNA in these cells and suggests that the ratPDE2 enzyme may function during spermiogenesis and in spermatozoa.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

A monoclonal antibody, MN13, that recognizes specifically a novel substance between the postacrosomal sheath and the overlying plasma membrane in the mammalian sperm head.

Monoclonal antibody MN13 raised against mouse spermatozoa specifically recognizes the postacrosomal region of the sperm head in several mammalian species. Colloidal gold-immunoelectron microscopy of demembranated mouse spermatozoa indicated that the antigen is associated with the outer layer of the periodic substructure apparently linking the postacrosomal sheath to the overlying plasma membrane. The antigen recognized by MN13 may contribute to the intimate association of the postacrosomal sheath with the overlying plasma membrane.

Acrosome↗

Mannose 6-phosphate receptors: potential mediators of germ cell-Sertoli cell interactions.

These studies have demonstrated that mouse pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids, and Sertoli cells synthesize mannose 6-phosphate receptors and that the proportions of the CI- and CD-MPRs vary markedly between cell types. Isolated spermatogenic cells synthesize predominantly the CD-MPR and lower levels of the CI-MPR. In contrast, cultured Sertoli cells selectively synthesize the CI-MPR, even though transcripts for the CD-MPR have been detected in these cells. These striking differences in the expression of MPRs suggest that these receptors may serve multiple roles during germ cell differentiation. We have hypothesized that MPRs in the seminiferous epithelium mediate interactions between germ cells and Sertoli cells, and participate in the targeting of hydrolytic enzymes to the acrosome. In support of the first hypothesis, we have shown that functional MPRs are localized on the surface of spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells where they mediate the endocytosis of M6P-containing ligands. As in other somatic cells, the CI-MPR is likely to be responsible for M6P receptor-mediated endocytosis in the seminiferous epithelium. Recent studies have shown that Sertoli cells in culture synthesize and secrete at least ten M6P-containing glycoproteins. Furthermore, pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids endocytose these Sertoli M6P-glycoproteins and process them to lower molecular weight forms that persist during 17 h culture periods. The identification of relevant ligands for mannose 6-phosphate receptors in the seminiferous epithelium may help define new regulatory mechanisms in cell differentiation. Current efforts to determine if Sertoli M6P-glycoproteins modulate germ cell function should confirm the significance of surface MPRs and clarify their roles in signal transduction and/or the endocytosis of Sertoli cell products.

Animals↗

Ultrastructural immunohistochemical localization of Clara cell secretory protein in pulmonary epithelium of rabbits.

Highly purified Clara cells (93 +/- 3%) isolated from the lungs of rabbits were used to produce an antiserum against Clara cell secretory proteins. This antiserum was used to identify and study the biosynthesis and secretion of [35S]methionine-labeled proteins from isolated Clara cells. The antiserum recognized one major secretory protein with apparent molecular weight of 6 kDa and reacted weakly with a higher molecular weight protein of about 180 kDa. Biosynthesis and secretion of these proteins was not detected in preparations of isolated alveolar type II cells or alveolar macrophages. Immunocytochemical localization of the antigen with colloidal gold indicated a dual localization in bronchiolar Clara cells. Gold labeling was found over the osmiophilic secretory granules of Clara cells and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. In tracheal Clara cells, labeling was found mostly in association with secretory granules and relatively little in association with the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Labeling was also found over the lamellar bodies of type II cells, although the reaction was weak. Labeling of ciliated cells, alveolar type I cells, capillary endothelial cells, and alveolar macrophages was not distinguishable from background. These data indicate that Clara cells of both the bronchioles and trachea of rabbits synthesize and secrete the low molecular weight protein previously called Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP). This antigen does not belong to that group of surfactant proteins whose molecular weights range from 26 to 40 kDa.

Animals↗

Glycoconjugate expression during embryogenesis and its biological significance.

Many stage-specific embryonic antigens (SSEAs) have been identified as glycoconjugates. These molecules may play diverse roles in the development of the embryo, including regulation of cell growth, recognition, and differentiation. The example of SSEA-1 is described in detail. This molecule appears to play an essential role in compaction of the early mouse embryo, and may illustrate the general importance of carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions in controlling cell surface interactions in development.

Animals↗

A protein associated with the mouse and rat hepatocyte junctional complex.

In this study we have examined a protein associated with bile canaliculi of mouse and rat hepatocytes that is detected by monoclonal antibody BG9.1. The protein is seen by indirect-immunofluorescence microscopy as 2 discrete parallel lines at the lateral borders of adjacent hepatocytes. This pattern is present during development in the day 13 fetal mouse liver. Electron microscopy with immuno-gold labeling indicated that the protein is associated with the cytoplasmic surface of junctional complexes located on either side of bile canaliculi. BG9.1 reacts with a protein of 192,000 apparent molecular weight on immunoblots of plasma membrane isolated from mouse and rat hepatocytes. It has been reported that unlike most cellular components, tight junctions are not soluble in sodium deoxycholate. Extraction of isolated hepatic plasma membrane sheets with deoxycholate and other reagents did not eliminate the pattern seen by indirect-immunofluorescence microscopy and enhanced the intensity of reactions on immunoblots. BG9.1 also binds to the junctional-complex region in other epithelial cell types. These results indicate that BG9.1 detects a deoxycholate-insoluble protein associated with junctional complexes and suggests that the protein is a component of tight junctions.

Animals↗

Differential activity and synthesis of lactate dehydrogenase isozymes A (muscle), B (heart), and C (testis) in mouse spermatogenic cells.

Spermatogenic cells isolated from adult and prepubertal mice by unit gravity sedimentation were used to examine enzyme activities and synthesis of the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isozymes during spermatogenesis. The synthesis and activity of LDH-C4, the germ cell-specific isozyme, was detected earliest in isolated preleptotene and leptotene/zygotene spermatocytes prior to the mid-pachytene stage of meiosis reported previously. The LDH-C4 isozyme was prominent in pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids, and condensing spermatids, whereas spermatozoa contained only the LDH-C4 isozyme. In addition, somatic-type LDH isozymes consisting primarily of LDH-B subunits were present in germ cells throughout spermatogenesis. This is in contrast to a previous report that the LDH-B subunit was not synthesized in germ cells. Sertoli cells were further shown to exhibit comparable amounts of five tetrameric LDH isozymes formed by combination of muscle-type LDH-A and heart-type LDH-B subunits.

Animals↗