New aspects of spermatogenesis. Expression of mitochondrial marker proteins during spermatogenesis

Abstract

Spermatogenesis is a highly complex, hormonally regulated cytodifferentiation process finally leading to the production of spermatozoa. In addition to other events germ cell differentiation is characterized by a gradual structural modification of many organelles including mitochondria which play a unique role. The morphological and functional development of germ cell mitochondria is a reflection of the permanent change in the testicular microenvironment which occurs when the germ cells are slowly moving from the base of the seminiferous epithelium to the lumen. Concomitant with the structural changes, several mitochondrial proteins are known to be expressed and synthesized during distinct phases of the organelle's development. This review pays particular attention to these transiently expressed mitochondrial proteins such as hsp60, Lon protease, sulphydryl oxidase and cytochrome c(t). Furthermore, the biological function of this stepwise gene activation during mitochondrial and germ cell development is discussed.