title: Expression and localization of the novel and highly conserved gametocyte-specific factor 1 during oogenesis and spermatogenesis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. Stephan_Krotz@brown.edu
authors.forename: Stephan P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Krotz
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Ballow
authors.forename: Youngsok
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Aleksandar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rajkovic
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: 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