Proteome analysis and genome-wide regulatory motif prediction identify novel potentially sex-hormone regulated proteins in rat efferent ducts.

International audienceThe efferent ducts are a series of tubules that conduct sperm from the rete testis to the epididymis. They absorb most fluid and proteins originating from the rete testis during concentration of spermatozoa prior to their entry into the epididymis. Proteome analysis of micro-dissected efferent duct samples from adult rats was combined with genome-wide computational prediction of conserved hormone response elements to identify factors likely regulated by oestrogens and androgens. We identified 165 proteins and found subsets of the promoters controlling their corresponding genes to contain androgen- and oestrogen response elements (ARE/EREs) at similar frequencies. Moreover, EREs were significantly enriched among the loci identified compared with their genome-wide occurrence. The expression and localization of Anxa6, Ckb, Krt19, Park7, Pdzk1 and Tpt1 in the efferent ducts and other related hormone controlled tissues was further validated at the RNA or protein level. This study identifies many novel proteins predicted to play roles in sperm maturation and male fertility and provides significant computational evidence that the efferent ducts express genes transcriptionally controlled by sex hormones

Effects of diabetes and exercise on the expression of the RCAN1 protein in rat skeletal muscle. Implication of oxidative stress.

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Proteomic Analysis of Efferent Ducts: Identification of Potential Biomarkers and Targets of Endocrine Disruptors

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Profil protéomique des canaux efférents : identification de protéines potentiellement régulées par les stéroïdes sexuels, androgènes et œstrogènes.

The efferent ducts are a series of tubules that conduct sperm from the rete testis to the epididymis. They are involved in the reabsorption of the bulk of fluid and proteins originating from the rete testis during concentration of spermatozoa prior to their entry into the epididymis. In the present investigation, we have applied proteomics and bioinformatics to identify proteins that are expressed in the efferent ducts from adult rats, putatively regulated by estrogens and androgens. This approach has allowed the identification of a first set of proteins, among which an important proportion have one or more estrogen responsive elements (ERE) and/or androgen responsive elements (ARE) in their putative promoter. Furthermore, supporting evidence of such regulation is reported in the literature for many of these protein candidates. Additionally, the validation of efferent duct expression for several newly described proteins was performed. Finally, using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry imaging techniques, we have identified several new proteins whose expression appears to be specific to efferent ducts. Their characterization is presently undergoing in our laboratory. Our findings extend the present knowledge of efferent duct biology and reinforce the concept that efferent duct structure and function are under significant control by both estrogens and androgens. Ultimately, these findings point out possible targets of xenosteroids in the male genital tract