title: Identification and characterization of TSAP, a novel gene specifically expressed in testis during spermatogenesis.
abstract: Through in silico screens, we have identified many previously uncharacterized genes that display similar expression patterns as the mouse Dazl gene, a germ line-specific marker. Here, we report the identification and characterization of one of these novel genes. TSAP gene encodes a protein with 350 amino acids and contains five ankyrin repeats and a PEST sequence motif. Furthermore, we have generated an anti-TSAP antibody and have used three different approaches (RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry) to investigate the expression profiles of TSAP mRNAs and proteins. TSAP is specifically expressed in testis, but not in other tissues such as ovary. Within the testis, TSAP is detected 10 days after birth and is mainly expressed in spermatocytes (ST) and later stage of germ cells, but not in spermatogonia (SG) or sertoli cells. Therefore, TSAP protein likely plays a role in spermatogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bin
authors.forename: Wu
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gang
authors.forename: Jiarui
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Wuming
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gong
authors.forename: Mingjin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yue
authors.forename: Ping
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Song
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017487:Ankyrins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015870:Gene Expression; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D013737:Testis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D017487:Ankyrins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C524560:TSAP protein, mouse