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Centromeric proteins recognized by CREST sera and meiotic chromosome segregation
J del Mazo1, L Kremer, J Avila
1Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain.
Chromosoma
|January 1, 1987
Summary
CREST sera recognize a specific 18,000 Mr peptide in mouse cells, including spermatozoa. This peptide
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- CREST (Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, Telangiectasias) syndrome is an autoimmune disorder.
- Autoantibodies in CREST sera often target nuclear antigens.
- The role of specific autoantigens in CREST pathogenesis is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize peptides recognized by CREST sera in mouse tissues.
- To investigate the presence and localization of these antigens in spermatogenic cells.
- To explore the potential involvement of these centromeric peptides in meiosis.
Main Methods:
- Immunoblotting of mouse tissue and cell extracts with CREST sera.
- Immunofluorescence microscopy of mouse spermatids and spermatozoa.
- Analysis of fluorescent spot distribution patterns.
Main Results:
- A consistent 18,000 Mr polypeptide was recognized by CREST sera across tissues.
- Centromeric staining was observed in early and late spermatids, and mature spermatozoa.
- A binomial distribution of centromeric spots in spermatids suggests a role distinct from meiosis II segregation.
Conclusions:
- The 18,000 Mr peptide recognized by CREST sera is a centromeric component.
- This centromeric peptide is present in mature spermatozoa.
- The organization of centromeric components differs between meiosis I and meiosis II.