Picture from Starich TA et al. (2014) Genetics "Two classes of gap junction channels mediate soma-germline interactions ...."
Figure 3 Co-expression of innexin proteins in the adult gonad. (A) Antibodies specific to the carboxyl termini of INX-8 and closely related INX-9 detect expression in the DTC and somatic sheath cells, as seen in a composite of a dissected gonad arm. Expression is absent or much reduced in the mitotic zone (M) and in areas where no somatic cell overlies the germ line. (B-H) Colocalization of innexins throughout the gonad. In B-H, the approximate corresponding position in the gonad arm is compared to A. (B-D) Colocalization in the region of the DTC of INX-9::GFP and INX-22 (B), INX-21 and INX-22 (C), and INX-14 and INX-22 (D). A medial focal plane of a dissected gonad (D) shows that INX-14 and INX-22 appear to associate with DTC processes that intercalate between germ cells. (E) INX-8::GFP and INX-22 colocalization in the region of the distal end of sheath coverage over germ cells. (F) INX-14 and INX-22 colocalization among pachytene-stage germ cells. (G) INX-8/9 and INX-21 colocalization in the loop region where germ cells leave the pachytene stage. (H) INX-14 and INX-22 colocalize in the proximal arm. M, mitotic region; T, transition zone; P, pachytene. Images in D and F were taken using an apotome adaptor. Bars, 20 um.
Picture from Starich TA et al. (2014) Genetics "Two classes of gap junction channels mediate soma-germline interactions ...."
Figure 4 Relative distribution of innexins along the distal-proximal axis. (A) INX-8/9 and INX-14 accumulate to higher levels in the proximal gonad arm. (B and C) INX-22 and INX-21 differ in their relative distributions, with INX-22 exhibiting higher expression levels proximally, whereas INX-21 is enriched distally. A dissected gonad (B) and a whole mount (C) are shown. Arrows in C indicate nuclei outside the gonad showing anti-INX-21 background staining. d, distal arm; -1, most proximal oocyte; ut uterus;oo, ovulated oocyte. Bars, 20 um.