The c-ros tvrosine kinase receptor I controls regionalization and differehiation of epithelial cells in the epididymis
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Date
1996
Authors
Sonnenberg-Riethmacher, Eva
Walter, Barbara
Riethmacher, Dieter
Godecke, Stephanie
Birchmeie, Carmen
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
Abstract
The c-ros gene was originally identified in mutant form as an oncogene. The proto-oncogene encodes a
tyrosine kinase receptor that is expressed in a small number of epithelial cell types, including those of the
epididymis. Targeted mutations of c-ros in the mouse reveal an essential role of the gene in male fertility.
Male c-ros -1- animals do not reproduce, whereas the fertility of female animals is not affected. We
demonstrate that c-ros is not required in a cell autonomous manner for male germ cell development or
function. The gene, therefore, does not affect sperm generation or function in a direct manner. The primary
defect in the mutant animals was located in the epididymis, showing that c-ros controls appropriate
development of the epithelia, particularly regionalization and terminal differentiation. The epididymal defect
does not interfere with production or storage of sperm but, rather, with sperm maturation and the ability of
sperm to fertilize in vivo. Interestingly, sperm isolated from c-ros - / - animals can fertilize in vitro. Our
results highlight the essential role of the epididymis in male fertility and demonstrate a highly specific
function of the c-ros receptor tyrosine kinase during development of distinct epithelial cells
Description
Keywords
c-ros tyrosine kinase receptor, epithelial cells, epididymis, regionalization, terminal differentiation
Citation
Eva Sonnenberg-Riethmacher, Barbara Walter, Dieter Riethmacher, Stephanie Godecke, Carmen Birchmeie; 1996; The c-ros tvrosine kinase rece~tor I controls reiionalization and diff erehiation of e~ithelial cells in the epididymis; GENES and DEVELOPMENT