title: Expression of Wsb2 in the developing and adult mouse testis.
abstract: We present a detailed study of the expression pattern of WD repeat and SOCS box-containing 2 (Wsb2) in mouse embryonic and adult gonads. Wsb2 was previously identified in a differential screen aimed at identifying the genes involved in male- and female-specific gonadal development. Wsb2 expression was analysed during mouse gonadogenesis by real-time PCR, whole-mount and section in situ hybridisation and immunofluorescence. Wsb2 mRNA expression was initially detected in gonads of both sexes from 11.5 days post coitum (dpc) until 12.0 dpc. By 12.5 dpc and thereafter, Wsb2 expression rapidly decreased in the female, while persisting in the male gonads. In foetal, newborn and juvenile testes, Wsb2 mRNA and protein were readily detected in the seminiferous cords within both Sertoli and germ cells. Wsb2 mRNA was present in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and in Sertoli cells of the adult mouse testis. The differential expression of Wsb2 in male versus female embryonic gonads suggests some male-specific role in gonad development, and its expression in the first wave of spermatogenesis indicates a role in germ cells. Real-time analysis of adult mouse testis tubules cultured in the presence of the Hedgehog signalling inhibitor, cyclopamine, showed a downregulation of Wsb2 mRNA after treatment which suggests that Wsb2 may be a target of Hedgehog signalling.
authors.affiliation: The ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and the Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Sarraj
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: McClive
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Szczepny
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Daggag
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Loveland
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Sinclair
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D002645:Chickens; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010053:Ovary / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D012733:Sex Differentiation / Q000235:genetics; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism; D050826:Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D013723:Teratogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D046509:Tissue Culture Techniques; D014704:Veratrum Alkaloids / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D002352:Carrier Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D050826:Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins; D013723:Teratogens; D014704:Veratrum Alkaloids; C519735:Wsb-2 protein, mouse; C000541:cyclopamine