Adenylyl cyclase 3 deficiency results in dysfunction of blood-testis barrier during mouse spermiogenesis

Abstract

Human infertility has become a global medical and social health problem. Mice deficient in type 3 adenylyl cyclase (AC3), a key enzyme that synthesizes cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), develop male infertility, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. We performed a label-free quantitative (LFQ) proteomics analyses to identify testicular differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and their respective biological processes. Furthermore, histological examination demonstrated that AC3 deficiency in mice led to mild impairment of spermatogenesis, including the thinning of seminiferous epithelium and local lesions in the testis. We further identified that the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) was impaired in AC3 knockout (AC3^-/-) mice accompanied with the reduction in the expression of tight junctions (TJs) and ectoplasmic specialization (ESs)-related proteins. In addition, the deletion of AC3 in mice also reduced the germ cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and decreased lipid deposition in the seminiferous tubules. Collectively, our results revealed a role of AC3 in regulating the BTB integrity during spermatogenesis. Thus, our findings provide new perspectives for future research in male infertility.

Keywords: Blood–testis barrier; Male sterility; Spermatogenesis; Testis; Type 3 adenylyl cyclase.