title: Post-transcriptional control in the male germ line.
abstract: Post-transcriptional mechanisms play an important role in the biology of germ cells, where they control key developmental decisions in cell division, differentiation and death. Because these post-transcriptional controls are cell-type-specific, and often utilize germ-cell-specific RNA-binding proteins, they provide useful diagnostic markers for male infertility and testicular cancer. Investigation of the genetics of male infertility in men and model organisms suggests that disruption of post-transcriptional control mechanisms can cause specific germ cell pathologies, and these studies point to future possible therapeutic routes for restoring spermatogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Human Genetics, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK.
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ehrmann
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Elliott
mesh_terms: D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D013090:Spermatocytes / Q000502:physiology; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D013093:Spermatogonia / Q000502:physiology; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger