Overexpression of human SPATA17 protein induces germ cell apoptosis in transgenic male mice.
SPATA17 is a new testis-specific-expressed gene that is involved in Spermatogenesis process. Previous studies show that SPATA17 was involved in acceleration of cell apoptosis in GC-1 cell lines. To further investigate specific roles of SPATA17 in Spermatogenesis in vivo, we generated transgenic mice in which the human SPATA17 gene was expressed specifically in spermatocytes using the human phosphoglycerate kinase 2 (PGK2) promoter. The SPATA17 transgenic mice did not show any significant defect in gross testicular anatomy as well as in fertility. However, a significant increase was observed in defective spermatogenic cells, such as apoptotic cells in the SPATA17 transgenic mice. These results revealed that elevated production of the SPATA17 protein disturbed the normal development of male germ cells.
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, YueYang, 414006, Hunan, China. ndz1997@126.com
Dong-Song
DS
Nie
Yu
Y
Liu
He
H
Juan
Xiang
X
Yang
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002148:Calmodulin-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009929:Organ Size; D010735:Phosphoglycerate Kinase / Q000235:genetics; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D013090:Spermatocytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
D002148:Calmodulin-Binding Proteins; D007527:Isoenzymes; C581692:SPATA17 protein, human; D010735:Phosphoglycerate Kinase; C104317:phosphoglycerate kinase, testis specific