Expression and localization of the novel and highly conserved gametocyte-specific factor 1 during oogenesis and spermatogenesis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the onset of gametocyte-specific factor 1 (Gtsf1) expression in embryogenesis and its relation to Nobox; and to determine its localization during gonadal development and gametocyte maturation.


METHODS
Developmental animal study.


METHODS
University reproductive biology laboratory.


METHODS
Mice ranging in age from embryonic day 12.5 to 8 weeks.


METHODS
Polymerase chain reaction and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to determine the onset of and relative messenger RNA expression. Western blot was performed to confirm protein expression and antibody specificity. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used determine localization of expression.


METHODS
Gtsf1 messenger RNA expression levels during embryogenesis through adulthood in wild-type mice and in newborn Nobox knockout mice; GTSF1 expression and localization in postnatal mice.


RESULTS
Gtsf1 functions downstream of Nobox and is highly expressed in embryonic male and female gonads, localizing to germ cells throughout development. GTSF1 expression is confined to the cytoplasm in all stages of postnatal oocyte maturation and to prespermatogonia during early postnatal testicular development.


CONCLUSIONS
The expression pattern of Gtsf1 and its high conservation suggests that it may play an important role in germ cell development. Further characterization of Gtsf1 may elucidate mechanisms involved in premature ovarian failure.
Krotz
Stephan P
SP
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. Stephan_Krotz@brown.edu
Ballow
Daniel J
DJ
Choi
Youngsok
Y
Rajkovic
Aleksandar
A
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008099:Liver / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009866:Oogenesis / Q000235:genetics*; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000235:genetics*; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics
C526556:Cue110 protein, mouse; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; C456265:Og2x protein, mouse; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014157:Transcription Factors