Ubiquitin Signals in the Developing Acrosome during Spermatogenesis of Rat Testis: An Immunoelectron Microscopic Study

The localization of ubiquitin (UB) signals in the acrosomes of rat spermiogenic cells was investigated by immunoelectron microscopy using two anti-UB antibodies: UB1, reacting with ubiquitinated proteins and free UB; and FK1, recognizing polyubiquitinated proteins but not monoubiquitinated proteins or free UB. Labeling of UB by UB1 (UB1 signal) was detected in the acrosomes at any stage of differentiation. In step 1 spermatids, UB1 signals were detected on the cytoplasmic surface and in the matrix of transport vesicles located between the trans-Golgi network and the acrosome. Weak signals were detected in acrosomal granules within acrosome vesicles that had not yet attached to the nucleus. In step 4-5 spermatids, the acrosome vesicles had enlarged and attached to the nucleus. Strong gold labeling was noted in a narrow space between the outer acrosomal membrane and the developing acrosomal granule, where a dense fibrous material was observed on routine electron microscopy, whereas the acrosomal granule was weakly stained by UB1 antibody. In step 6-8 spermatids, UB1 signals were detected in the fibrous material that expanded laterally to form a narrow electronless dense zone between the acrosomal granule and the outer acrosomal membrane. Labeling in the acrosomal granule increased. In step 9-11 spermatids, UB1 signals were confined to the narrow zone from the tip of the head to the periphery of the ventral fin. The matrix of the acrosome was weakly stained. In epididymal sperm, UB1 labeling in the acrosome decreased without any pretreatment, whereas staining was noted in a spot in the neck region and in the dorsal fin after trypsin digestion. On the other hand, the staining pattern with FK1 was quite different from that with UB1. The trans-Golgi network was weakly stained but the cis-Golgi network was strongly stained. The dense fibrous material just beneath the outer membrane was never stained with FK1. The results suggest that UB on the surface of transport vesicles is involved in anterograde transport from the Golgi apparatus to the acrosome. The physiological role of UB in acrosomes is not clear. Two candidates for monoubiquitinated proteins in the acrosome, which have a UB-interacting motif, were found by cyber screening.