Population Council Research that makes a difference

Dolores D. Mruk, Ph.D.

Scientist

Dolores D. Mruk is a staff scientist at Population Council’s Center for Biomedical Research. She obtained her Ph.D in cell and molecular biology from The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong and received postdoctoral training at Population Council under the mentorship of Dr. C. Yan Cheng. Her research has been recognized in the past through numerous awards from The Endocrine Society and American Society of Andrology.

Mruk’s research investigates adhesive interactions between Sertoli and germ cells in the testis, and how these interactions contribute to the maintenance of spermatogenesis and fertility in the male. To achieve this goal, she is currently studying the biology of the desmosome-like junctions in the testis, as well as their regulation by GTPases. Understanding how Sertoli-germ cell adhesion can be disrupted transiently by blocking the function of desmosomes and GTPases offers an interesting approach to the development of male contraceptives in the future.

She is also interested in studying the role played by drug transporters in the entry of contraceptive agents into the seminiferous epithelium beyond the blood-testis barrier. Understanding how tight junctions at the blood-testis barrier can be opened transiently by perturbing the function of drug transporters can provide novel insights into drug delivery.

Mruk is affiliated with Population Council’s Reproductive Health program.

Dolores D. Mruk, Ph.D.

Scientist

Actin cross-linking protein palladin and spermatogenesis  (abstract) (PDF
Qian,Xiao-jing; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Yan Ho; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Spermatogenesis 3(1)
Publication date: 2013

Adjudin attenuates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and ischemia-induced microglial activation  (abstract) (HTML
Shao,Jiaxiang; Liu,Tengyuan; Xie,Qian Reuben; Zhang,Tingting; Yu,Hemei; Wang,Boshi; Ying,Weihai; Mruk,Dolores D.; Silvestrini,Bruno; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Xia,Weiliang
Journal of Neuroimmunology 254(1): 83-90
Publication date: 2013

c-Yes regulates cell adhesion at the apical ectoplasmic specialization-blood-testis barrier axis via its effects on protein recruitment and distribution  (abstract) (HTML
Xiao,Xiang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology and Metabolism (Translational Series) 304(2): E145-E159
Publication date: 2013

Intercellular adhesion molecule-2 is involved in apical ectoplasmic specialization dynamics during spermatogenesis in the rat  (abstract) (HTML
Xiao,Xiang; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Journal of Endocrinology 216(1): 73-86
Publication date: 2013

Intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) and spermatogenesis  (abstract) (HTML
Xiao,Xiang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Human Reproduction Update Published online ahead of print, 3 January
Publication date: 2013

Regulation of actin dynamics and protein trafficking during spermatogenesis--Insights into a complex process  (abstract) (HTML
Su,Wenhui; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Published online ahead of print, 23 January
Publication date: 2013

Regulation of blood-testis barrier (BTB) dynamics during spermatogenesis via the "yin" and "yang" effects of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2  (abstract) (HTML
Mok,Ka-Wai; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology 301: 291-358
Publication date: 2013

Rictor/mTORC2 regulates blood-testis barrier dynamics via its effects on gap junction communications and actin filament network  (abstract) (HTML
Mok,Ka-Wai; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
FASEB Journal Published online ahead of print, 3 January
Publication date: 2013

A peptide derived from laminin-y3 reversibly impairs spermatogenesis in rats  (abstract) (HTML
Su,Linlin; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Silvestrini,Bruno; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Nature Communications 3(1185): doi:10.1038/ncomms2171-
Publication date: 2012

Drug transporters in spermatogenesis: A re-evaluation of recent data on P-glycoprotein  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Spermatogenesis 2(2): 70-72
Publication date: 2012

Filamin A is a regulator of blood-testis barrier assembly during postnatal development in the rat testis  (abstract) (HTML
Su,Wenhui; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Lui,Wing-Yee; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Endocrinology 153(10): 5023-5035
Publication date: 2012

Filamin A: A regulator of blood-testis barrier assembly during post-natal development  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Su,Wenhui; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Spermatogenesis 2(2): 73-78
Publication date: 2012

Focal adhesion kinase-Tyr407 and -Tyr397 exhibit antagonistic effects on blood-testis barrier dynamics in the rat  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Mok,Ka-Wai; Su,Linlin; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 109(31): 12562-12567
Publication date: 2012

In search of suitable in vitro models to study germ cell movement across the blood-testis barrier  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Spermatogenesis 2(1): 6-10
Publication date: 2012

Microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) is a component of the ectoplasmic specialization in the rat testis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Tang,Elizabeth I.; Xiao,Xiang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Qian,Xiao-jing; Mok,Ka-Wai; Jenardhanan,Pranitha; Lee,Will M.; Mathur,Premendu P.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Spermatogenesis 2(2): 117-126
Publication date: 2012

Regulation of drug transporters in the testis by environmental toxicant cadmium, steroids and cytokines  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Su,Linlin; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Spermatogenesis 2(4): 285-293
Publication date: 2012

Regulation of the blood-testis barrier by coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor  (abstract) (HTML
Su,Linlin; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
American Journal of Physiology: Cell Physiology 303(8): C843-C853
Publication date: 2012

rpS6 regulates blood-testis barrier dynamics by affecting F-actin organization and protein recruitment  (abstract) (HTML
Mok,Ka-Wai; Mruk,Dolores D.; Silvestrini,Bruno; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Endocrinology 153(10): 5036-5048
Publication date: 2012

Spermatogonial stem cells alone are not sufficient to re-initiate spermatogenesis in the rat testis following adjudin-induced infertility  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Mok,Ka-Wai; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
International Journal of Andrology 35(1): 86-101
Publication date: 2012

The biology of interleukin-1: Emerging concepts in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and cell junction dynamics  (abstract) (HTML
Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences 69(4): 487-500
Publication date: 2012

The blood-testis barrier and its implications for male contraception  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Pharmacological Reviews 64(1): 16-64
Publication date: 2012

The Scribble/Lgl/Dlg polarity protein complex is a regulator of blood-testis barrier dynamics and spermatid polarity during spermatogenesis  (abstract) (HTML
Su,Wenhui; Wong,Elissa W.P.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Endocrinology 153(12): 6041-6053
Publication date: 2012

Tumor necrosis factor α-mediated restructuring of the Sertoli cell barrier in vitro involves matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9), membrane-bound intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and the actin cytoskeleton  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Lydka,Marta; Bilinska,Barbara; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Spermatogenesis 2(4): 294-303
Publication date: 2012

A study to assess the assembly of a functional blood-testis barrier in developing rat testes  (abstract) (PDF
Mok,Ka-Wai; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Spermatogenesis 1(3): 270-280
Publication date: 2011

Actin-binding protein drebrin E is involved in junction dynamics during spermatogenesis  (abstract) (PDF
Li,Michelle W.M.; Xiao,Xiang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lam,Yee-ling; Lee,Will M.; Lui,Wing-Yee; Bonanomi,Michele; Silvestrini,Bruno; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Spermatogenesis 1(2): 123-136
Publication date: 2011

Adjudin disrupts spermatogenesis via the action of some unlikely partners: Eps8, Arp2/3 complex, drebrin E, PAR6 and 14-3-3  (abstract) (PDF
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Wong,Elissa W.P.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Silvestrini,Bruno
Spermatogenesis 1(4): 291-291
Publication date: 2011

Adjudin, a potential male contraceptive, exerts its effects locally in the seminiferous epithelium of mammalian testes  (abstract) (HTML
Mok,Ka-Wai; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Lui,Wing-Yee; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Reproduction 141(5): 571-580
Publication date: 2011

An in vitro system to study Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier dynamics  (abstract) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Methods in Molecular Biology 763: 237-252
Publication date: 2011

c-Yes regulates cell adhesion at the blood-testis barrier and the apical ectoplasmic specialization in the seminiferous epithelium of rat testes  (abstract) (HTML
Xiao,Xiang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,William M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology 43(4): 651-665
Publication date: 2011

Desmosomes in the testis: Moving into an unchartered territory  (abstract) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Spermatogenesis 1(1): 47-51
Publication date: 2011

Drug transporters and blood-testis barrier function  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Su,Linlin; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,William M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Endocrinology 209(3): 337-351
Publication date: 2011

Drug transporters, the blood-testis barrier, and spermatogenesis  (abstract) (HTML
Su,Linlin; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Endocrinology 208(3): 207-223
Publication date: 2011

Emerging role for drug transporters at the blood-testis barrier  (abstract) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Su,Linlin; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Trends in Pharmacological Science 32(2): 99-106
Publication date: 2011

Enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) for routine immunoblotting. An inexpensive alternative to commercially available kits  (abstract) (PDF
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Spermatogenesis 1(2): 121-122
Publication date: 2011

Environmental contaminants: Is male reproductive health at risk?  (abstract) (PDF
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Spermatogenesis 1(4): 283-290
Publication date: 2011

Environmental toxicants and male reproductive function  (abstract) (HTML
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Wong,Elissa W.P.; Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Li,Michelle W.M.; Su,Linlin; Siu,Erica R.; Yan,Helen H.N.; Mannu,J.; Mathur,Premendu P.; Bonanomi,Michele; Silvestrini,Bruno; Mruk,Dolores D.
Spermatogenesis 1(1): 2-13
Publication date: 2011

Interleukin-1α is a regulator of the blood-testis barrier  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
FASEB Journal 25(4): 1244-1253
Publication date: 2011

P-glycoprotein regulates blood-testis barrier dynamics via its effects on the occludin/zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) protein complex mediated by focal adhesion kinase (FAK)  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Su,Linlin; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lui,Wing-Yee; Lee,William M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 108(49): 19623-19628
Publication date: 2011

Polarity proteins and actin regulatory proteins are unlikely partners that regulate cell adhesion in the seminiferous epithelium during spermatogenesis  (abstract) (HTML
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Wong,Elissa W.P.; Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Xiao,Xiang; Li,Michelle W.M.; Lui,Wing-Yee; Lee,Will M.
Histology and Histopathology 26(11): 1465-1474
Publication date: 2011

Regulation of spermiogenesis, spermiation and blood-testis barrier dynamics: Novel insights from studies on Eps8 and Arp3  (abstract) (HTML
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Biochemical Journal 435(3): 553-562
Publication date: 2011

Testin and actin are key molecular targets of adjudin, an anti-spermatogenic agent, in the testis  (abstract) (PDF
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Spermatogenesis 1(2): 137-146
Publication date: 2011

The biology of the desmosome-like junction a versatile anchoring junction and signal transducer in the seminiferous epithelium  (abstract) (HTML
Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology 286: 223-269
Publication date: 2011

The myotubularin family of lipid phosphatases in disease and in spermatogenesis  (abstract) (PDF
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Biochemical Journal 433(2): 253-262
Publication date: 2011

The ß1-integrin-p-FAK-p130Cas-DOCK180-RhoA-vinculin is a novel regulatory protein complex at the apical ectoplasmic specialization in adult rat testes  (abstract) (HTML
Siu,Michelle K.Y.; Wong,Ching-hang; Xia,Weiliang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Spermatogenesis 1(1): 73-86
Publication date: 2011

A local autocrine axis in the testes that regulates spermatogenesis  (HTML
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 6(7): 380-395
Publication date: 2010

Adjudin-mediated Sertoli-germ cell junction disassembly affects, Sertoli cell barrier function in vitro and in vivo  (abstract) (HTML
Su,Linlin; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology 42(11): 1864-1875
Publication date: 2010

Cell junctions in the testis as targets for toxicants 
Wong,Elissa W.P.; Yan,Helen H.N.; Li,Michelle W.M.; Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Richburg,J.H.; Hoyer,P.; McQueen,Charlene
Comprehensive Toxicology 11, pp. 167-188
Publication date: 2010

Claudin and occludin expression and function in the seminiferous epithelium  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Morrow,C.M.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Hess,R.A.
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Series B, Biological Sciences 365(1546): 1679-1696
Publication date: 2010

Connexin 43 is critical to maintain the homeostasis of the blood-testis barrier via its effects on tight junction reassembly  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Li,Michelle W.M.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 107(42): 17998-18003
Publication date: 2010

Cytoskeletal dynamics and spermatogenesis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,William M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Series B, Biological Sciences 365(1546): 1581-1592
Publication date: 2010

Differential effects of testosterone and TGF-ß3 on endocytic vesicle-mediated protein trafficking events at the blood-testis barrier  (abstract) (HTML
Su,Linlin; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Experimental Cell Research 316(17): 2945-2960
Publication date: 2010

New frontiers in nonhormonal male contraception  (abstract) (HTML
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Contraception 82(5): 476-482
Publication date: 2010

Regulation of blood-testis barrier dynamics by TGF-ß3 is a Cdc42-dependent protein trafficking event  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Wong,Elissa W.P.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 107(25): 11399-11404
Publication date: 2010

Regulation of spermatogenesis in the microenvironment of the seminiferous epithelium: New insights and advances  (abstract) (HTML
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Wong,Elissa W.P.; Yan,Helen H.N.; Mruk,Dolores D.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology 315(1-2): 49-56
Publication date: 2010

Restricted Arp3 expression in the testis prevents blood-testis barrier disruption during junction restructuring at spermatogenesis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Chan,Apple Y.N.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 107(25): 11411-11416
Publication date: 2010

Sertoli-germ cell junctions in the testis: A review of recent data  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Kopera,Ilona A.; Bilinska,Barbara; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Series B, Biological Sciences 365(1546): 1593-1605
Publication date: 2010

The biology of spermatogenesis: The past, present and future  (abstract) (HTML
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Series B, Biological Sciences 365(1546): 1459-1463
Publication date: 2010

Tight junctions in the testis: New perspectives  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Series B, Biological Sciences 365(1546): 1621-1635
Publication date: 2010

Adjudin targeting rabbit germ cell adhesion as a male contraceptive: A pharmacokinetics study  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Hu,Guo-Xin; Hu,Lu-Feng; Yang,Dai-Zheng; Li,Jun-Wei; Chen,Guo-Rong; Chen,Bing-Bing; Mruk,Dolores D.; Bonanomi,Michele; Silvestrini,Bruno; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Ge,Renshan
Journal of Andrology 30(1): 87-93
Publication date: 2009

An in vivo study on adjudin and blood-testis barrier dynamics  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Kopera,Ilona A.; Su,Linlin; Bilinska,Barbara; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Endocrinology 150(10): 4724-4733
Publication date: 2009

An intracellular trafficking pathway in the seminiferous epithelium regulating spermatogenesis: A biochemical and molecular perspective  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 44(5): 245-263
Publication date: 2009

An occludin-focal adhesion kinase protein complex at the blood-testis barrier: A study using the cadmium model  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Siu,Erica R.; Wong,Elissa W.P.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Sze,K.L.; Porto,Catarina S.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Endocrinology 150(7): 3336-3344
Publication date: 2009

Cadmium-induced testicular injury  (abstract) (HTML
Siu,Erica R.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Porto,Catarina S.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 238(3): 240-249
Publication date: 2009

Connexin 43 and plakophilin-2 as a protein complex that regulates blood-testis barrier dynamics  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Li,Michelle W.M.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 106(25): 10213-10218
Publication date: 2009

Coordinating cellular events during spermatogenesis: A biochemical model  (abstract) (HTML
Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Trends in Biochemical Sciences 34(7): 366-373
Publication date: 2009

Cytokines and junction restructuring events during spermatogenesis in the testis: An emerging concept of regulation  (abstract) (HTML
Li,Michelle W.M.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews 20(4): 329-338
Publication date: 2009

Disruption of the blood-testis barrier integrity by bisphenol A in vitro: Is this a suitable model for studying blood-testis barrier dynamics?  (abstract) (HTML
Li,Michelle W.M.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology 41(11): 2302-2314
Publication date: 2009

Drug transporter, P-glycoprotein (MDR1), is an integrated component of the mammalian blood-testis barrier  (abstract) (HTML
Su,Linlin; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology 41(12): 2578-2587
Publication date: 2009

Epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 (Eps8) is a novel regulator of cell adhesion and the blood-testis barrier integrity in the seminiferous epithelium  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
FASEB Journal 23(8): 2555-2567
Publication date: 2009

Focal adhesion kinase is a blood-testis barrier regulator  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Siu,Erica R.; Wong,Elissa W.P.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Porto,Catarina S.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 106(23): 9298-9303
Publication date: 2009

Mitogen-activated protein kinases in male reproductive function  (abstract) (HTML
Li,Michelle W.M.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Trends in Molecular Medicine 15(4): 159-168
Publication date: 2009

RAB13 participates in ectoplasmic specialization dynamics in the rat testis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Lau,Ann S.N.
Biology of Reproduction 80(3): 590-601
Publication date: 2009

Regulation of blood-testis barrier dynamics by focal adhesion kinase (FAK): An unexpected turn of events  (abstract) (PDF
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Cell Cycle 8(21): 3493-3499
Publication date: 2009

Testicular cell junction: A novel target for male contraception   (abstract) (HTML
Lee,Nikki P.Y.; Wong,Elissa W.P.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Current Medicinal Chemistry 16(7): 906-915
Publication date: 2009

TGF-ß3 and TNFα perturb blood-testis barrier (BTB) dynamics by accelerating the clathrin-mediated endocytosis of integral membrane proteins: A new concept of BTB regulation during spermatogenesis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Xia,Weiliang; Wong,Elissa W.P.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Developmental Biology 327(1): 48-61
Publication date: 2009

An autocrine axis in the testis that coordinates spermiation and blood-testis barrier restructuring during spermatogenesis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Yan,Helen H.N.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Wong,Elissa W.P.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 105(26): 8950-8955
Publication date: 2008

Anchoring junctions as drug targets: Role in contraceptive development  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Silvestrini,Bruno; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Pharmacological Reviews 60(2): 146-180
Publication date: 2008

Biology and regulation of ectoplasmic specialization, an atypical adherens junction type, in the testis  (abstract) (HTML
Wong,Elissa W.P.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta--Biomembranes 1778(3): 692-708
Publication date: 2008

Blood-testis barrier dynamics are regulated by testosterone and cytokines via their differential effects on the kinetics of protein endocytosis and recycling in Sertoli cells  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Yan,Helen H.N.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
FASEB Journal 22(6): 1945-1959
Publication date: 2008

Cross-talk between tight and anchoring junctions: Lesson from the testis  (abstract) (HTML
Yan,Helen H.N.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 636: 234-254
Publication date: 2008

Delivering non-hormonal contraceptives to men: Advances and obstacles  (abstract) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Trends in Biotechnology 26(2): 90-99
Publication date: 2008

Interleukin 1 Alpha (IL1A) is a novel regulator of the blood-testis barrier in the rat  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Sarkar,Oli; Mathur,Premendu P.; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Biology of Reproduction 78(3): 445-454
Publication date: 2008

New perspectives in non-hormonal male contraception  (abstract) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism 19(2): 57-64
Publication date: 2008

Par3/Par6 polarity complex coordinates apical ectoplasmic specialization and blood-testis barrier restructuring during spermatogenesis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Wong,Elissa W.P.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 105(28): 9657-9662
Publication date: 2008

Cellular localization of sphingomyelin synthase 2 in the seminiferous epithelium of adult rat testes  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Lee,Nikki P.Y.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Xia,Weiliang; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Endocrinology 192(1): 17-32
Publication date: 2007

Coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is a product of Sertoli and germ cells in rat testes which is localized at the Sertoli-Sertoli and Sertoli-germ cell interface  (abstract) (HTML
Wang,Claire Q.F.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Experimental Cell Research 313(7): 1373-1392
Publication date: 2007

C-type natriuretic peptide regulates blood-testis barrier dynamics in adult rat testes  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Xia,Weiliang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 104(10): 3841-3846
Publication date: 2007

Ectoplasmic specialization: A friend or a foe of spermatogenesis?  (abstract) (HTML
Yan,Helen H.N.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
BioEssays 29(1): 36-48
Publication date: 2007

Junction restructuring and spermatogenesis: The biology, regulation, and implication in male contraceptive development  (abstract) (HTML
Yan,Helen H.N.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Current Topics in Developmental Biology 80: 57-92
Publication date: 2007

Rab4A GTPase-catenin interactions are involved in cell junction dynamics in the testis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Lau,Ann S.N.; Sarkar,Oli; Xia,Weiliang
Journal of Andrology 28(5): 742-754
Publication date: 2007

Targeted and reversible disruption of the blood-testis barrier by an FSH mutant-occludin peptide conjugate  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Wong,Ching-hang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
FASEB Journal 21(2): 438-448
Publication date: 2007

Unraveling the molecular targets pertinent to junction restructuring events during spermatogenesis using the Adjudin-induced germ cell depletion model  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Xia,Weiliang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Endocrinology 192(3): 563-583
Publication date: 2007

A male contraceptive targeting germ cell adhesion  (abstract) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Wong,Ching-hang; Silvestrini,Bruno; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Nature Medicine 12(11): 1323-1328
Publication date: 2006

Adjudin-mediated junction restructuring in the seminiferous epithelium leads to displacement of soluble guanylate cyclase from adherens junctions  (abstract) (HTML
Sarkar,Oli; Xia,Weiliang; Mruk,Dolores D.
Journal of Cellular Physiology 208(1): 175-187
Publication date: 2006

Differential interactions between transforming growth factor-β3/TβR1, TAB1, and CD2AP disrupt blood-testis barrier and Sertoli-germ cell adhesion  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Xia,Weiliang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Biological Chemistry 281(24): 16799-16813
Publication date: 2006

Dynamin II interacts with the cadherin- and occludin-based protein complexes at the blood-testis barrier in adult rat testes  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Lie,Pearl P.Y.; Xia,Weiliang; Wang,Claire Q.F.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Yan,Helen H.N.; Wong,Ching-hang; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Endocrinology 191(3): 571-586
Publication date: 2006

The Sertoli-spermatid junctional complex adhesion strength is affected in vitro by adjudin  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Wolski,Katja M.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cameron,Don F.
Journal of Andrology 27(6): 790-794
Publication date: 2006

Tumor necrosis factor reversibly disrupts the blood-testis barrier and impairs Sertoli-germ cell adhesion in the seminiferous epithelium of adult rat testes  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Li,Michelle W.M.; Xia,Weiliang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Wang,Claire Q.F.; Yan,Helen H.N.; Siu,Michelle K.Y.; Lui,Wing-Yee; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Endocrinology 190(2): 313-329
Publication date: 2006

AF-2364 [1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbohydrazide] is a potential male contraceptive: A review of recent data  (abstract) (HTML
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.; Silvestrini,Bruno; Bonanomi,Michele; Wong,Ching-hang; Siu,Michelle K.Y.; Lee,Nikki P.Y.; Lui,Wing-Yee; Mo,Meng-Yun
Contraception 72(4): 251-261
Publication date: 2005

Blood-testis barrier dynamics are regulated by α2-macroglobulin via the c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase pathway  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Wong,Ching-hang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Siu,Michelle K.Y.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Endocrinology 146(4): 1893-1908
Publication date: 2005

Cytokines and junction restructuring during spermatogenesis: A lesson to learn from the testis  (abstract) (HTML
Xia,Weiliang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews 16(4-5): 469-493
Publication date: 2005

Interactions among IQGAP1, Cdc42, and the cadherin/catenin protein complex regulate Sertoli-germ cell adherens junction dynamics in the testis  (abstract) (HTML
Lui,Wing-Yee; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Cellular Physiology 202(1): 49-66
Publication date: 2005

Myotubularin phosphoinositide phosphatases, protein phosphatases, and kinases: Their roles in junction dynamics and spermatogenesis  (abstract) (HTML
Zhang,Jiayi; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Cellular Physiology 204(2): 470-483
Publication date: 2005

Regulation of ectoplasmic specialization dynamics in the seminiferous epithelium by focal adhesion-associated proteins in testosterone-suppressed rat testes  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Wong,Ching-hang; Xia,Weiliang; Lee,Nikki P.Y.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Endocrinology 146(3): 1192-1204
Publication date: 2005

Regulation of Sertoli-germ cell adherens junction dynamics in the testis via the nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/cGMP/protein kinase G (PRKG)/beta-catenin (CATNB) signaling pathway: An in vitro and in vivo study  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Lee,Nikki P.Y.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Wong,Ching-hang; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Biology of Reproduction 73(3): 458-471
Publication date: 2005

Regulation of Sertoli-germ cell adherens junction dynamics via changes in protein-protein interactions of the N-cadherin-ß-catenin protein complex which are possibly mediated by c-Src and myotubularin-related protein 2: An in vivo study using an androgen suppression model  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Zhang,Jiayi; Wong,Ching-hang; Xia,Weiliang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,Nikki P.Y.; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Endocrinology 146(3): 1268-1284
Publication date: 2005

α-macroglobulin expression in the liver in response to inflammation is mediated by the testis  (abstract) (PDF
Lui,Wing-Yee; Cheng,Yan Ho; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chin Ho; Mo,Meng-Yun; Lee,Will M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Endocrinology 185(3): 497-505
Publication date: 2005

Cell-cell interactions at the ectoplasmic specialization in the testis  (abstract) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism 15(9): 439-447
Publication date: 2004

Disruption of Mtmr2 produces CMT4B1-like neuropathy with myelin outfolding and impaired spermatogenesis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Bolino,Alessandra; Bolis,Annalisa; Previtali,Stefano Carlo; Dina,Giorgia; Bussini,Simona; Dati,Gabriele; Amadio,Stefano; Del Carro,Ubaldo; Mruk,Dolores D.; Feltri,Maria Laura; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Quattrini,Angelo; Wrabetz,Lawrence
Journal of Cell Biology 167(4): 711-721
Publication date: 2004

Regulation of blood-testis barrier dynamics: An in vivo study  (abstract) (HTML
Wong,Ching-hang; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lui,Wing-Yee; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Cell Science 117(5): 783-798
Publication date: 2004

Sertoli-Sertoli and Sertoli-germ cell interactions and their significance in germ cell movement in the seminiferous epithelium during spermatogenesis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Endocrine Reviews 25(5): 747-806
Publication date: 2004

Zyxin, axin, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein are adaptors that link the cadherin/catenin protein complex to the cytoskeleton at adherens junctions in the seminiferous epithelium of the rat testis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Lee,Nikki P.Y.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Conway,Anne M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Andrology 25(2): 200-215
Publication date: 2004

Adherens junction dynamics in the testis and spermatogenesis  (PDF) (HTML
Lui,Wing-Yee; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,William M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Andrology 24(1): 1-14
Publication date: 2003

Adhering junction dynamics in the testis are regulated by an interplay of β 1-integrin and focal adhesion complex-associated proteins  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Siu,Michelle K.Y.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,William M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Endocrinology 144(5): 2141-2163
Publication date: 2003

Fer kinase/FerT and adherens junction dynamics in the testis: An in vitro and in vivo study  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Chen,Yong-Mei; Lee,Nikki P.Y.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,William M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Biology of Reproduction 69(2): 656-672
Publication date: 2003

Is the cadherin/catenin complex a functional unit of cell-cell actin-based adherens junctions in the rat testis?  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Lee,Nikki P.Y.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,William M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Biology of Reproduction 68(2): 489-508
Publication date: 2003

Rab8B GTPase and junction dynamics in the testis  (abstract) (HTML
Lau,Ann S.N.; Mruk,Dolores D.
Endocrinology 144(4): 1549-1563
Publication date: 2003

Role of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases-1 in junction dynamics in the testis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Siu,Michelle K.Y.; Conway,Anne M.; Lee,Nikki P.Y.; Lau,Ann S.N.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Andrology 24(4): 510-523
Publication date: 2003

Sertoli cell tight junction dynamics: Their regulation during spermatogenesis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Lui,Wing-Yee; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,William M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Biology of Reproduction 68(4): 1087-1097
Publication date: 2003

TGF-β3 regulates the blood-testis barrier dynamics via the p38 mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway: An in vivo study  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Lui,Wing-Yee; Wong,Daria C.H.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Endocrinology 144(4): 1139-1142
Publication date: 2003

Antioxidant superoxide dismutase--A review: Its function, regulation in the testis, and role in male fertility  (abstract) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Silvestrini,Bruno; Mo,Meng-Yun; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Contraception 65(4): 305-311
Publication date: 2002

Cell junction dynamics in the testis: Sertoli-germ cell interactions and male contraceptive development  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mruk,Dolores D.
Physiological Reviews 82(4): 825-874
Publication date: 2002

Gonadotropins, via cAMP, negatively regulate GATA-1 gene expression in testicular cells  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Zhang,Zhifang; Wu,Ai Zhen; Feng,Zong-Ming; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Chen,Ching-Ling C.
Endocrinology 143(3): 829-836
Publication date: 2002

Indazole carboxylic acids in male contraception  (abstract) (HTML
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mo,Meng-Yun; Grima,Josephine; Saso,Luciano; Tita,Beatrice; Mruk,Dolores D.; Silvestrini,Bruno
Contraception 65(4): 265-268
Publication date: 2002

Regulation of Sertoli cell myotubularin (rMTM) expression by germ cells in vitro  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Li,Jonathan C.H.; Lee,William M.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Andrology 22(2): 266-277
Publication date: 2001

The inter-Sertoli tight junction permeability barrier is regulated by the interplay of protein phosphatases and kinases: An in vitro study  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Li,Jonathan C.H.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Andrology 22(5): 847-856
Publication date: 2001

Two new male contraceptives exert their effects by depleting germ cells prematurely from the testis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Silvestrini,Bruno; Grima,Josephine; Mo,Meng-Yun; Zhu,Li-Ji; Johansson,Elof D.B.; Saso,Luciano; Leone,Maria Grazia; Palmery,Maura; Mruk,Dolores D.
Biology of Reproduction 65(2): 449-461
Publication date: 2001

In vitro regulation of extracellular superoxide dismutase in Sertoli cells  (abstract) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Life Sciences 67(2): 133-145
Publication date: 2000

Changes in the expression of junctional and nonjunctional complex component genes when inter-Sertoli tight junctions are formed in vitro  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Wong,Connie C.S.; Chung,Sanny S.W.; Grima,Josephine; Zhu,Li-Ji; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,William M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Andrology 21(2): 227-237
Publication date: 2000

Rat testicular myotubularin, a protein tyrosine phosphatase expressed by Sertoli and germ cells, is a potential marker for studying cell-cell interactions in the rat testis  (abstract) (HTML
Li,Jonathan C.H.; Samy,Eileen T.; Grima,Josephine; Chung,Sanny S.W.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,William M.; Silvestrini,Bruno; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Cellular Physiology 185(3): 366-385
Publication date: 2000

Sertoli cell proteins in testicular paracriny 
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Jegou,B.; Pineau,C.; Saez,J.
Ernst Schering Research Foundation Workshop Supplement 6, pp. 197-228
Publication date: 2000

Identification and purification of proteins from germ cell-conditioned medium (GCCM)  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Chung,Sanny S.W.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,William M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology International 47(3): 479-491
Publication date: 1999

Obstruction of the vas deferens alters protein secretion by the rat caput epididymal epithelium in vivo  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Turner,Terry T.; Riley,Tina A.; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Andrology 20(2): 289-297
Publication date: 1999

Sertolin is a novel gene marker of cell-cell interactions in the rat testis  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Journal of Biological Chemistry 274(38): 27056-17068
Publication date: 1999

Sertolin: A novel molecule to study Sertoli-germ cell interactions in the testis 
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan; Coutinho,Elsimar M.; Spinola,Paulo
from Proceedings of the 10th World Congress on Human Reproduction, pp. 99-102
Publication date: 1999

TEMO is a novel testicular gene to study Sertoli-germ cell interactions: Its cDNA cloning and regulation 
Cheng,Chuen-yan; Mo,Meng-Yun; Mruk,Dolores D.; Lee,William M.; Silvestrini,Bruno; Coutinho,Elsimar M.; Spinola,Paulo
from Proceedings of the 10th World Congress on Human Reproduction
Publication date: 1999

Rat testicular extracellular superoxide dismutase (SODEX): Its purification, characterization, and regulation  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chin Ho; Cheng,Yan Ho; Mo,Meng-Yun; Grima,Josephine; Silvestrini,Bruno; Lee,William M.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Biology of Reproduction 59: 298-308
Publication date: 1998

Regulation of a2-macroglobulin expression in Sertoli cells and hepatocytes in vitro by germ cells  (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Braghiroli,L.; Silvestrini,Bruno; Sorrentino,J.; Grima,Josephine; Mruk,Dolores D.; Cheng,Chuen-yan
Biology of Reproduction 59: 111-123
Publication date: 1998

Dolores D. Mruk, Ph.D.

Scientist

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Dolores D. Mruk
Population Council
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