IMR Press / FBL / Volume 10 / Issue 1 / DOI: 10.2741/1537

Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark (FBL) is published by IMR Press from Volume 26 Issue 5 (2021). Previous articles were published by another publisher on a subscription basis, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with Frontiers in Bioscience.

Article
Cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion in the testis
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1 Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB)-Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052 Ghent, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
Front. Biosci. (Landmark Ed) 2005, 10(1), 398–419; https://doi.org/10.2741/1537
Published: 1 January 2005
Abstract

During spermatogenesis, the differentiating germ cells migrate across the seminiferous epithelium while maintaining close contact with the surrounding Sertoli cells via specialized actin-based adherens junctions (ectoplasmic specializations) and intermediate filament-based anchoring junctions (desmosome-like junctions). Although this migration is essential for correct completion of spermatogenesis, the mechanisms that regulate these anchoring junctions are largely unknown, and most of our knowledge of cell-cell adhesion in testis is based on earlier studies in epithelial tissues. In most epithelia, members of the cadherin superfamily play key roles in intercellular adhesion. Cadherins are calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecules mediating numerous homotypic cell-cell interactions. Until recently there has been controversy about the presence and localization of cadherins in the testis, but now there is increasing evidence that various types of cadherins are expressed in this organ, which underscores their importance in testicular functions. Here, we review the expression patterns, regulatory mechanisms and possible roles of the cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion in the testis, and particularly during spermatogenesis. Moreover, attention is paid to additional molecular adhesion complexes in the testis, to associated signaling pathways and to cell adhesion-related innovative ways for male contraception.

Keywords
Cell-Cell Adhesion
Testis
Spermatogenesis
Contraception
Cadherin
Catenin
Armadillo
Junctions
Adherens Junctions
Ectoplasmic Specialization
Tubulobulbar Complex
Desmosome
Nectin
Afadin
Review
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