TAp73 is essential for germ cell adhesion and maturation in testis

ABSTRACT: A core evolutionary function of the p53 family is to protect the genomic integrity of gametes. However, the role of p73 in the male germline is unknown. Here we uncover that TAp73 unexpectedly functions as adhesion and maturation factor of the seminiferous epithelium orchestrating spermiogenesis. TAp73KO and p73KO mice, but not M-NM-^TNp73KO mice, display a M-bM-^@M-^Xnear-empty seminiferous tubuleM-bM-^@M-^Y phenotype due to massive premature loss of immature germ cells. Its cellular basis are defective cell-cell adhesions of developing germ cells to Sertoli nurse cells, with secondary degeneration of Sertoli cells including the blood-testis-barrier, thereby disrupting the adhesive integrity and maturation of the germ epithelium. At the molecular level, TAp73, produced in germ cells, cont

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

SUBMITTER: Claudia Pommerenke 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-52124 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress