Impaired expression of genes coding for reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes in testes of Mtfr1/Chppr-deficient mice.
Mtfr1/Chppr is a nuclear gene coding for a mitochondrial protein capable of inducing fission of this organelle in a sequence-specific manner. Here we show that in mice, Mtfr1/Chppr is ubiquitously expressed and displays the highest level of expression in pubertal and adult testes and in particular in spermatids and Leydig cells. To investigate Mtfr1 function in vivo, we analyzed homozygous mice null for this gene obtained through a gene trap approach. We show that these mice fail to express Mtfr1 and that in their testes several genes coding for enzymes involved in the defense against oxidative stress are downregulated. Among these, we studied in particular glutathione peroxidase 3 and show its expression in selected testis cell types. Furthermore, we demonstrate oxidative DNA damage specifically in testes of Mtfr1-deficient mice likely resulting from a reduced antioxidant activity. As a whole, these data suggest that Mtfr1 protects the male gonads against oxidative stress.
Monticone
Massimiliano
M
DOBIG, Universitá di Genova, 16131 Genova, Italy.
Tonachini
Laura
L
Tavella
Sara
S
Degan
Paolo
P
Biticchi
Roberta
R
Palombi
Fioretta
F
Puglisi
Rossella
R
Boitani
Carla
C
Cancedda
Ranieri
R
Castagnola
Patrizio
P
D000818:Animals; D004249:DNA Damage; D015870:Gene Expression; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000201:enzymology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*; D013087:Spermatids / Q000378:metabolism; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism*
C493867:CHPPR protein, mouse; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase