Ectoplasmic specialisation

Ectoplasmic specializations are actin-related cell–cell junctions, present in the testicular seminiferous epithelium. Ectoplasmic specializations are cell-to-cell junctions that occur during spermatogenesis1. These junctions are located at the Sertoli–Sertoli cell interface and Sertoli-elongating spermatid interface, which occur during the seminiferous epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis.There must be vast reconstructing of the anchoring junctions such as the ectoplasmic specializations within the testies.  The reconstruction of these junctions is important because it facilitates the migration of the developing germ cells across the seminiferous epithelium2.

References

• 1. Mruk DD, Cheng CY (2004) Cell–cell interactions at the ectoplasmic specialization in the testis. Trends Endocrinol. Metab. 15:439–447.
• 2. Anon Biology and regulation of ectoplasmic specialization, an atypical adherens junction type, in the testis. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000527360700435X