The Science

Arylsulfatase A deficiency causes seminolipid accumulation and a lysosomal storage disorder in Sertoli cells

Highlight by Dr. Hongbin Xu

Male infertility occurs in 9% of couples, frequently with unknown causes, leading to excessive use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) despite the possible negative health consequences on the children born.  Research to find bio-indices of male fertility is greatly needed.  Seminolipid (aka SGG), present at a high level in mammalian male germ cells, is essential for their development in the testis, as shown in experimental animals.  SGG on mature sperm is also important for fertilization.  We have recently shown that homeostasis (balanced levels) of SGG in testes, as regulated by Sertoli cells, is relevant for sperm production and sperm fertilizing ability, especially in older mice (equivalent to 40 years old in men).  Sertoli cells are oblong somatic cells spanning the tubules in the testis, where sperm are produced.  Tight junctions at the basal part of the tubules exist between adjacent Sertoli cells, forming a barrier that excludes blood components from entering the compartment above.  Developing germ cells are in this compartment and nourished by nutrients secreted from Sertoli cells.  Sertoli cells also 'clean up' germ cells that have undergone apoptosis, which occurs at a high rate in normal testis.  Certain molecules of apoptotic cells, when accumulated are toxic to Sertoli cells, and need to be removed.  SGG is one such molecule that has to be degraded by arylsulfatase A in Sertoli cell lysosomes.  The failure of this degradation leads to 'lysosomal storage disorder' in Sertoli cells and subsequently a disability to support germ cell development. 

posted 24 November 2011
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References:
Original research paper

Xu H, Kongmanas K, Kadunganattil S, Smith CE, Rupar T, Goto-Inoue N, Hermo L, Faull KF, Tanphaichitr N (2011). Arylsulfatase A deficiency causes seminolipid accumulation and a lysosomal storage disorder in Sertoli cells. J Lipid Res. 2011 Dec;52(12):2187-97. Epub 2011 Oct 2.
Pubmed 21965315