Microtubules and spermatogenesis

Liza O'Donnell; Moira K O'Bryan

doi:10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.01.003

Microtubules and spermatogenesis

Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2014 Jun:30:45-54. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.01.003. Epub 2014 Jan 17.

Authors

Liza O'Donnell¹, Moira K O'Bryan²

Affiliations

¹ MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia. Electronic address: liza.odonnell@princehenrys.org.
² Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.

PMID: 24440897
DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.01.003

Abstract

Microtubules are dynamic polymers of tubulin subunits that underpin many essential cellular processes, such as cell division and migration. Spermatogenesis is the process by which spermatogenic stem cells undergo mitotic and meiotic division and differentiation to produce streamlined spermatozoa capable of motility and fertilization. This review summarizes the current knowledge of microtubule-based processes in spermatogenesis. We describe the involvement of microtubule dynamics in Sertoli cell shape and function, as well as in the mitotic and meiotic division of germ cells. The roles of microtubules in sperm head shaping, via the development and function of the manchette, and in sperm flagella development are also discussed. The review brings together data from microscopy studies and genetically modified mouse models, and reveals that the regulation of microtubule dynamics is essential for male fertility.

Keywords: Flagella; Meiosis; Microtubules; Sperm; Spermatogenesis.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Humans
Infertility, Male / drug therapy
Infertility, Male / metabolism
Male
Meiosis
Microtubules / physiology*
Sertoli Cells / physiology
Spermatogenesis*
Spermatozoa / physiology
Spindle Apparatus / metabolism