Integrins are transmembrane receptors that facilitate cell adhesion and cell-extracellular matrix communication. They are involved in the sperm maturation including capacitation and gamete interaction, resulting in successful fertilization. αV integrin belongs to the integrin glycoprotein superfamily, and it is indispensable for physiological spermiogenesis and testosterone production. We targeted the gene and protein expression of the αV integrin subunit and described its membrane localization in sperm. Firstly, in mouse, we traced αV integrin gene expression during spermatogenesis in testicular fraction separated by elutriation, and we detected gene activity in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and round spermatids. Secondly, we specified αV integrin membrane localization in acrosome-intact and acrosome-reacted sperm and compared its pattern between mouse, pig, and human. Using immunodetection and structured illumination microscopy (SIM), the αV integrin localization was confined to the plasma membrane covering the acrosomal cap area and also to the inner acrosomal membrane of acrosome-intact sperm of all selected species. During the acrosome reaction, which was induced on capacitated sperm, the αV integrin relocated and was detected over the whole sperm head. Knowledge of the integrin pattern in mature sperm prepares the ground for further investigation into the pathologies and related fertility issues in human medicine and veterinary science.

Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Science Charles University Hlavova 8 128 40 Prague 2 Czech Republic

Department of Veterinary Sciences Faculty of Agrobiology Food and Natural Resources University of Life Sciences Prague Kamycka 129 165 00 Prague 6 Czech Republic

Department of Zoology Faculty of Science Charles University BIOCEV Vinicna 7 128 44 Prague 2 Czech Republic

Laboratory of Reproductive Biology Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences BIOCEV Prumyslova 595 252 50 Vestec Czech Republic

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Role of Integrins in Sperm Activation and Fertilization