Cellular communication in the epididymis, an essential component of sperm maturation

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Gap junctions are essential structural components for direct communication between neighboring cells. Communication between adjacent cells is critical for coordinating cellular function within tissues. Spermatozoa are formed in the seminiferous tubules of the testis. In mammals, testicular spermatozoa cannot swim or fertilize. These functions are acquired in the epididymis during sperm maturation. A crucial aspect of sperm maturation is the fact that the epididymal epithelium must coordinate the different regions of epididymis in order to modify the luminal environment in which the sperm bathe and mature. The overall objectives of this research program are to understand the role and regulation of gap junctional communication in the epididymis and the role of cellular communication in sperm maturation. The current short-term objectives are to understand the regulation of the proteins responsible for intercellular communication, the connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs), in the epididymis. We first intend to identify the signalling pathways regulating Cxs during the differentiation of the epididymis, and determine if Cxs are critical to this process. We will then assess how Panxs are regulated in the epididymis and determine if RNA processing plays an essential role in this regulation. Finally, we will identify the factors that regulate the expression of epididymal Cx and Panx genes, and show how these factors are themselves regulated. By addressing these crucial fundamental aspects of cellular communication and regulation of gene expression in the epididymis we expect to develop to better understanding of the regulation of cellular communication, epididymal function and sperm maturation.