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Connexons
12%
14/116
Desmoplakins
2%
2/116
E-cadherins
22%
26/116
Integrins
15%
17/116
Occludins
41%
47/116
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The downregulation of occludins, which comprise the tight junctions of Sertoli cells, can lead to autoimmune attack through the blood-testis barrier and result in infertility. Sertoli cells are non-germ cells in the seminiferous tubules that are connected to each other by tight junctions. These tight junctions form the blood-testis barrier, which isolate the gametes to prevent autoimmune reactions. Tight junctions, or zonulae occludentes (singular, zonula occludens), are composed of claudin and occludin proteins. During injury, the increase in inflammatory cytokines is believed to downregulate the expression of occludin proteins in Sertoli cells, which leads to the breakdown of tight junctions between cells. This then allows for communication through the blood-testis barrier. Incorrect Answers: Answer 1: Connexons are channel proteins that allow for communication between cells, but these are found at gap junctions, not tight junctions. Answer 2: Desmoplakins are proteins found in desmosomes (macula adherens) in cardiac muscle and epidermal cells. Answer 3: E-cadherins are found in the adherens junction (zonula adherens), which connects actin cytoskeletons between adjacent cells. Answer 4: Integrins are proteins found in the basolateral surface of the cell that connect the cell membrane to the basement membrane or extracellular matrix. Bullet Summary: Tight junctions between Sertoli cells help comprise the blood-testis barrier, which prevent autoimmune attack against the testis.
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