Copper transporter 1 (CTR1) expression by mouse testicular germ cells, but not Sertoli cells, is essential for functional spermatogenesis.

ABSTRACT: An imbalance in copper (Cu) tissue homeostasis has a degenerative effect on spermatogenesis and male fertility. The high-affinity Cu transporter 1 (CTR1; SLC31A1) is the major protein responsible for Cu acquisition in eukaryotes and is highly expressed in mouse testes. Studies on yeast and Drosophila have demonstrated the conserved essential function of Cu and CTR1 for meiosis and fertility, implying that CTR1 may play an essential function in mammalian spermatogenesis. In mice, spermatogenesis takes place within the seminiferous epithelium, where tight junctions between somatic Sertoli cells (SCs) create a specialized microenvironment for the development of meiotic germ cells (GCs) by tightly regulating the free transport of metabolites and ions to reach these cells. Here, it is demonstra

SUBMITTER: Ghaffari R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6474593 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature