Cell adhesion function was altered during the seasonal regression of the seminiferous epithelium in the mink species Neovison vison.

ABSTRACT: Minks are seasonal breeders whose seminiferous epithelium undergoes regression through massive germ cell death, leaving only Sertoli cells and spermatogonial cells in the tubules. However, the molecular mechanisms that control this biological process remain largely unknown. This study describes a transcriptomic analysis of mink testes at various reproductive stages (active, regressing, and inactive). A comparison of seminiferous epithelium at different stages of reproduction shows that cell adhesion is altered during regression. In addition, genes and proteins involved in forming the blood-testis barrier (BTB) were examined in sexually active and inactive minks. The seminiferous epithelium in the testes of sexually inactive minks expressed occludin, but this expression was not discernibly

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10276646 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature