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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion
Published on: August 25, 2018
Physiological functions and hormonal regulation of mouse vas deferens protein (AKR1B7) in steroidogenic tissues
A Martinez1, C Aigueperse, P Val
1UMR 6547 CNRS, Université Blaise Pascal, Les Cézeaux, 63177 Cédex, Aubière, France. a-marie.lefrancois-martinez@geem.univ-bpclermont.fr
Abstract:
The MVDP (mouse vas deferens protein) gene encodes an aldose reductase-like protein (AKR1B7) highly expressed in vas deferens epithelium and zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. Recombinant MVDP showed kinetic properties distinct from those of aldose reductase, including its spectrum of substrates, cofactor preference and sensitivity to inhibitors. We demonstrate that in adrenocortical cells, MVDP, rather than aldose reductase, is the principal reductase for isocaproaldehyde (a product of side-chain cleavage of cholesterol) and 4-hydroxynonenal (a lipid peroxidation product). In steroidogenic tissues MVDP expression is regulated by pituitary trophic hormones, namely ACTH in adrenals, FSH in ovaries, and LH in testicular Leydig cells.
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