ALBERT

Description:    Liprin α3 was reported for the first time using sperm proteomics. Present study reports its localization on sperm and immunochemical characterization. Liprin α3 is identified as a 133 kDa protein in testis and epididymal protein extracts. In testis, immunohistochemical localization was seen in pachytenes, diplotenes, round spermatids whereas it was localized in the epithelial cells and luminal sperm in all the three regions of epididymis. Protein was localized in acrosome of rat sperm, which was further confirmed by sequential treatment of sperm with hypertonic solution. In the spermatogenic cells the protein was found to be located in developing acrosome as evident by its co-localization with Golgi marker. Protein was found to be developmentally regulated. In silico analysis of Liprin α3 revealed presence of the estrogen responsive elements upstream to initiation site and its regulation by estrogen was experimentally validated using a tamoxifen treated rat model. Western blot analysis of epididymosomes showed the presence of Liprin α3, indicating its involvement in trafficking of vesicle. The protein expression was seen in both mouse and human sperm indicating conserved nature and a probable role in acrosome reaction. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00418-012-1044-y Authors Chetanchandra S. Joshi, Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR), J. M. Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012 India Amol R. Suryawanshi, Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR), J. M. Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012 India Shagufta A. Khan, Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR), J. M. Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012 India Nafisa H. Balasinor, Department of Neuroendocrinology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR), J. M. Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012 India Vrinda V. Khole, Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR), J. M. Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012 India Journal Histochemistry and Cell Biology Online ISSN 1432-119X Print ISSN 0948-6143