Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
05:46
Isolation and In vitro Activation of Caenorhabditis elegans Sperm
Published on: January 31, 2011
Germ cell survival through carbohydrate-mediated interaction with Sertoli cells
Tomoya O Akama1, Hiroaki Nakagawa, Kazuhiro Sugihara
1Glycobiology Program and, Stem Cell Program, The Burnham Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Disrupting the Man2a2 gene causes male infertility by preventing germ cells from adhering to Sertoli cells. This study identifies a key N-glycan structure essential for successful spermatogenesis and cell adhesion.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Glycobiology
- Molecular Cell Biology
Background:
- Spermatogenesis involves intricate germ cell-Sertoli cell interactions crucial for male fertility.
- The molecular mechanisms underlying germ cell-Sertoli cell adhesion remain largely undefined.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for addressing infertility causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of alpha-mannosidase IIx (Man2a2) in spermatogenesis and germ cell adhesion.
- To identify the specific molecular components involved in the interaction between germ cells and Sertoli cells.
- To elucidate the function of N-glycans in male reproductive processes.
Main Methods:
- Gene targeting to create Man2a2 null mice.
- Analysis of spermatogenesis and sperm release in Man2a2 deficient males.
- Identification and characterization of N-glycan structures involved in cell adhesion.
Main Results:
- Man2a2 null male mice exhibit significantly reduced fertility.
- Spermatogenic cells lacking Man2a2 display impaired adhesion to Sertoli cells.
- Premature release of immature germ cells from the testis to the epididymis was observed in Man2a2 null males.
- A specific N-glycan structure was identified as critical for germ cell-Sertoli cell adhesion.
Conclusions:
- The enzyme alpha-mannosidase IIx (Man2a2) is essential for male fertility.
- N-glycans play a critical role in mediating germ cell-Sertoli cell adhesion during spermatogenesis.
- Defects in specific N-glycan structures can lead to infertility.
