Characterization of D1Pas1, a mouse autosomal homologue of the human AZFa region DBY, as a nuclear protein in spermatogenic cells.
OBJECTIVE
To gain insight into the function of D1Pas1 in spermatogenesis.


METHODS
The cellular and subcellular distribution of D1Pas1 protein were examined.


METHODS
Academic research laboratory.


METHODS
Swiss Webster and C57B1/6J mice.


METHODS
Antibodies were generated against a D1Pas1 fusion protein. Immunoblot analysis was performed on lysates of testicular cells separated into enriched populations of spermatogenic cells and fractionated into nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. Immunohistochemistry was performed on histological sections of testis from adult and postnatal day 17 mice.


METHODS
D1Pas1 protein distribution.


RESULTS
D1Pas1 was expressed in germ cells, and its expression was developmentally regulated because it was detected specifically in the meiotic and postmeiotic haploid stages of spermatogenesis. D1Pas1 protein was predominantly localized in the nucleus, with weak cytoplasmic staining.


CONCLUSIONS
Nuclear localization of D1Pas1 in the testis and its sequence homology to putative RNA helicases suggests a role of D1Pas1 in pre-mRNA processing during spermatogenesis. Germ cell expression of D1Pas1 and homology to the Y chromosome gene DBY, which is located in an area deleted in azoospermia, suggests a potential role for an autosomal gene in the regulation of spermatogenesis.
Session
D R
DR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA. session.donna@mayo.edu
Lee
G S
GS
Wolgemuth
D J
DJ
D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism*; D053487:DEAD-box RNA Helicases; D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D015778:Minor Histocompatibility Antigens; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D017385:Sequence Homology; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D015778:Minor Histocompatibility Antigens; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011506:Proteins; C492034:DDX3Y protein, human; C115600:Ddx3y protein, mouse; D053487:DEAD-box RNA Helicases