AIP1-mediated actin disassembly is required for postnatal germ cell migration and spermatogonial stem cell niche establishment.

ABSTRACT: In mammals, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) arise from early germ cells called gonocytes, which are derived from primordial germ cells during embryogenesis and remain quiescent until birth. After birth, these germ cells migrate from the center of testicular cord, through Sertoli cells, and toward the basement membrane to form the SSC pool and establish the SSC niche architecture. However, molecular mechanisms underlying germ cell migration and niche establishment are largely unknown. Here, we show that the actin disassembly factor actin interacting protein 1 (AIP1) is required in both germ cells and Sertoli cells to regulate this process. Germ cell-specific or Sertoli cell-specific deletion of Aip1 gene each led to significant defects in germ cell migration after postnatal day 4 or 5, acc

SUBMITTER: Xu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4650729 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature