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Updated: May 29, 2026

Ex vivo Culture of Drosophila Pupal Testis and Single Male Germ-line Cysts: Dissection, Imaging, and Pharmacological Treatment
Published on: September 11, 2014
The formation and function of intercellular bridges in male germlines
Jian Cui1,2,3, Jiaxuan Cheng1,2, Bingbing Wu3
1MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
None:
Intercellular bridges (ICBs) are fundamental and evolutionarily conserved structures in spermatogenesis, with roles that extend far beyond simple cytoplasmic connections. These stable conduits, which connect synchronously developing germ cells, are crucial for cytoplasmic sharing and intercellular communication. This review highlights the core regulatory machinery governing ICBs dynamics, including their formation and function, in mouse and Drosophila melanogaster. It further explores the distribution patterns of ICBs and their molecular components across various animal species. Lastly, it identifies key challenges and future directions necessary to fully elucidate the regulatory mechanisms and broader biological significance of ICBs in male germ cell development.
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