Synthesis and assembly of connecting-piece proteins as revealed by radioautography.

The synthesis and assembly of connecting-piece proteins have been studied during spermiogenesis in the rat by electron microscopy and radioautography following intratesticular injection of radiolabeled amino acids [3H]proline and [3H]cystine. Early in spermiogenesis (steps 1-7) the two centrioles that give rise to the connecting piece are essentially unmodified. During the 6.5-day period between steps 8 and 15, the major elements of the connecting piece (striated columns and capitulum) gradually become assembled from an electron-dense material that is deposited around the walls of the centrioles; throughout this period, protein molecules containing proline and cystine are synthesized by the step 8-15 spermatids and incorporated into the developing neck region. These proteins subsequently become permanent structural components of the connecting piece. Following completion of the major elements in step 15, few additional proteins are added to the connecting piece during the final steps 16-19 of spermiogenesis.