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Molecular cloning of rat macrophage-stimulating protein and its involvement in the male reproductive system
K Ohshiro1, A Iwama, K Matsuno
1Department of Cell Differentition, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP), a member of the hepatocyte growth factor family, is a ligand for receptor tyrosine kinase STK/RON. Here we isolated a full-length cDNA of rat MSP and a partial cDNA of rat STK/RON, then characterized their expression in the male reproductive system. In situ hybridization revealed that MSP mRNA was localized to spermatogonia and spermatocytes in the testis and the epithelium lining the lumen of the epididymis. On the other hand, RT-PCR analysis showed that STK/RON mRNA was expressed in sperm collected from both testis and epididymis. These findings suggest that locally produced MSP may play a vital role in germ cell-germ cell interaction during spermatogenesis as well as in the acquisition of sperm motility and/or fertilizing capacity in the epididymis. Our findings reveal new possible roles of the MSP-STK/RON signaling pathway.
Insights
Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) and STK/RON signaling are newly found in the rat male reproductive system. This pathway may be crucial for sperm development and function.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular endocrinology
- Cell signaling
Background:
- Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) is a hepatocyte growth factor family member.
- MSP functions as a ligand for the receptor tyrosine kinase STK/RON.
- The role of the MSP-STK/RON pathway in the male reproductive system is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize rat MSP and STK/RON cDNAs.
- To investigate the expression patterns of MSP and STK/RON in the male reproductive system.
- To explore the potential roles of MSP-STK/RON signaling in spermatogenesis and sperm function.
Main Methods:
- Full-length cDNA isolation of rat MSP.
- Partial cDNA isolation of rat STK/RON.
- In situ hybridization for MSP mRNA localization.
- RT-PCR analysis for STK/RON mRNA expression.
Main Results:
- MSP mRNA is localized in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and epididymal epithelium.
- STK/RON mRNA is expressed in sperm from both testis and epididymis.
- Evidence suggests MSP-STK/RON signaling is present in the male reproductive tract.
Conclusions:
- Locally produced MSP may regulate germ cell interactions during spermatogenesis.
- The MSP-STK/RON pathway might be involved in sperm motility and fertilizing capacity acquisition in the epididymis.
- New potential functions for MSP-STK/RON signaling in male reproduction are proposed.