CaMKIV/Gr is dispensable for spermatogenesis and CREM-regulated transcription in male germ cells.
The calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type IV/Gr (CaMKIV/Gr) is expressed in male germ cells and spermatids and has been implicated in controlling the differentiation of germ cells into mature spermatozoa. The function of CaMKIV/Gr in spermatogenesis was investigated using CaMKIV/Gr-deficient mice generated by targeted gene disruption. CaMKIV/Gr-deficient males exhibited normal spermatogenesis, and their fertility was similar to that of wild-type littermates. Notwithstanding the function of CaMKIV/Gr as an activator of cAMP response element (CRE)-dependent transcription, mRNA levels of several testis-specific CRE modulator (CREM)-regulated genes were unaltered. These results indicate that CaMKIV/Gr is not essential for spermatogenesis or for CRE-regulated gene transcription in the testis.
Blaeser
F
F
Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Toppari
J
J
Heikinheimo
M
M
Yan
W
W
Wallace
M
M
Ho
N
N
Chatila
T A
TA
D017398:Alternative Splicing; D000818:Animals; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D017871:Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D051786:Cyclic AMP Response Element Modulator; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D018390:Gene Targeting; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009929:Organ Size; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D013737:Testis / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D007527:Isoenzymes; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D051786:Cyclic AMP Response Element Modulator; D004247:DNA; D017871:Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases