Dynamic localization and functional implications of Aurora-C kinase during male mouse meiosis

Dev Biol. 2006 Feb 15;290(2):398-410. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2005.11.036. Epub 2006 Jan 4.

Abstract

Aurora-C was first identified during screening for kinases expressed in mouse sperm and eggs. Herein, we report for the first time the precise subcellular localization of endogenous Aurora-C during male meiotic division. The localization of Aurora-C was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining on chromosome spreads of mouse spermatocytes or in squashed seminiferous tubules. Aurora-C was first detected at clusters of chromocenters in diplotene spermatocytes and was concentrated at centromeres in metaphase I and II. Interestingly, Aurora-C was also found along the chromosome axes, including both the regions of centromeres and the chromosome arms in diakinesis. During the anaphase I/telophase I and anaphase II/telophase II transitions, Aurora-C was relocalized to the spindle midzone and midbody. A similar distribution pattern was also observed for Aurora-B during male meiotic divisions. Surprisingly, we detected no Aurora-C in mitotic spermatogonia. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that INCENP associated with Aurora-C in the male testis. We propose that INCENP recruits Aurora-C (or some other factor(s) recruit INCENP and Aurora-C) to meiotic chromosomes, while Aurora-C may either work alone or cooperate with Aurora-B to regulate chromosome segregation during male meiosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anaphase
  • Animals
  • Aurora Kinase B
  • Aurora Kinase C
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / physiology
  • Chromosomes / ultrastructure
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Male
  • Meiosis*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Models, Biological
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / biosynthesis*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Seminiferous Tubules / metabolism
  • Spermatocytes / metabolism
  • Spermatogonia / metabolism
  • Spindle Apparatus
  • Telophase
  • Testis / metabolism

Substances

  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Incenp protein, mouse
  • Aurkb protein, mouse
  • Aurkc protein, mouse
  • Aurora Kinase B
  • Aurora Kinase C
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases