In:
The Journal of Cell Biology, Rockefeller University Press, Vol. 142, No. 2 ( 1998-07-27), p. 473-484
Abstract:
Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are key elements of cGMP- and cAMP-signaling pathways in vertebrate photoreceptor cells and in olfactory sensory neurons, respectively. These channels form heterooligomeric complexes composed of at least two distinct subunits (α and β). The α subunit of cone photoreceptors is also present in mammalian sperm. Here we identify one short and several long less abundant transcripts of β subunits in testis. The α and β subunits are expressed in a characteristic temporal and spatial pattern in sperm and precursor cells. In mature sperm, the α subunit is observed along the entire flagellum, whereas the short β subunit is restricted to the principal piece of the flagellum. These findings suggest that different forms of CNG channels coexist in the flagellum. Confocal microscopy in conjunction with the Ca2+ indicator Fluo-3 shows that the CNG channels serve as a Ca2+ entry pathway that responds more sensitively to cGMP than to cAMP. Assuming that CNG channel subtypes differ in their Ca2+ permeability, dissimilar localization of α and β subunits may give rise to a pattern of Ca2+ microdomains along the flagellum, thereby providing the structural basis for control of flagellar bending waves.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0021-9525
,
1540-8140
DOI:
10.1083/jcb.142.2.473
Language:
English
Publisher:
Rockefeller University Press
Publication Date:
1998
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1421310-2
SSG:
12
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