精子超活化结构蛋白——Catsper表达特性研究

目的:Catsper是精子特有的一种阳离子通道蛋白,对于精子超活化有重要的调节作用,为进一步了解其表达特性,本文主要研究其组织特异性表达及表达规律。方法:运用RT-PCR和免疫组织化学方法分析Catsper在2~8周龄昆明小鼠睾丸、附睾等8种组织中的表达情况,在精子上的精确定位以及随发育阶段变化表达量的变化。结果:Catsper特异性地表达于睾丸和附睾组织上;主要定位于精子尾部的主段;Catsper的表达量受到发育阶段的调控,该蛋白表达量随个体发育周龄的增长而呈增加的趋势,于3周龄开始检测到它的表达,随后表达量显著增加至6周龄,以后逐渐增长至一个平台期。结论:小鼠的Catsper基因特异性地表达于睾丸和附睾上,并且主要位于精子尾部的主段,其表达量与小鼠的发育阶段有密切的关系。

Expression Characteristics of Mouse Catsper——the Structural Protein of Sperm Hyperactivation

Objective: To study the expression specificity in tissues of the Catsper and its expression rules,which is a specific cation channels in sperm and plays an important role in sperm hyperactivation. Methods: The expression of Catsper in eight different tissues was examined by RT-PCR and immunohischemistry,the location of Catsper in sperm determined by immunofluorescence and the expression changes of Catsper analyzed in mice of different age groups.Results: Catsper was expressed specifically in the testis and epididymis,and was mainly located in the principal piece of the sperm tail.Catsper gene expression was developmentally regulated with a direct correlation between Catsper expression and mouse sexual maturation.Catsper gene experssion was first detected at 3 weeks of age and increased significantly till 6 weeks of age and then gradually to a stationary phase.Conclusion: Catsper expresses in the testis and epididymis,and its growth period and expression amount are closely related with the developmental stages of the mouse.