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The matricellular protein SPARC is internalized in Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells during testis differentiation
Author(s) -
Wilson Megan J.,
Bowles Josephine,
Koopman Peter
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.20394
Subject(s) - biology , sertoli cell , matricellular protein , gonad , testicle , in situ hybridization , germ cell , microbiology and biotechnology , leydig cell , endocrinology , medicine , gene expression , andrology , gene , spermatogenesis , genetics , extracellular matrix , hormone , luteinizing hormone
The gene encoding the matricellular protein secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) was identified in a screen for genes expressed sex‐specifically during mouse gonad development, as being strongly upregulated in the male gonad from very early in testis development. We present here a detailed analysis of SPARC gene and protein expression during testis development, from 11.5 to 15.5 days post coitum (dpc). Section in situ hybridization analysis revealed that SPARC mRNA is expressed by the Sertoli cells in the testis cords and the fetal Leydig cells, found within the interstitial space between the testis cords. Immunodetection with anti‐SPARC antibody showed that the protein was located inside the testis cords, within the cytoplasm of Sertoli and germ cells. In the interstitium, SPARC was present intracellularly within the Leydig cells. The internalization of SPARC in Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells suggests that it plays an intracellular regulatory role in these cell types during fetal testis development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.