Expression of the Adhesion Molecule Spermatogenic Immunoglobulin Superfamily (SglGSF) in Mouse Tissues

摘要

Spermatogenic immunoglobulin super-family (SglGSF) is an adhesion molecule originally isolated from adult mouse testis. In the testis, SglGSF is expressed specifically in spermatogenic cells and may be involved in spermatogenesis. SglGSF may also be involved in synapse formation and tumor suppression. In the present study, we examined the expression and cellular localization of SglGSF in the entire adult mouse organs and tissues using Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry at light and electron microscopic levels. Western blot analysis revealed that SglGSF is expressed not only in the testis but also in the liver, lung, and nervous system including the cerebrum, cerebellum and sciatic nerve. The nervous system as well as testis showed multiple immuno-reactive bands ranging from 45 to 100 kDa, whereas the liver and lung showed a single 100 kDa band. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that in the nervous system, SglGSF is localized to the membranes of synapses, axons and Schwann cells. In contrast, in the lung and liver SglGSF was localized to the membranes of apposing respiratory epithelial cells, hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells. These results suggested that SglGSF plays multiple physiological roles in the adult mouse as an adhesion molecule.