FOXJ2 controls meiosis during spermatogenesis in male mice.
Spermatogenesis is a highly complex cell differentiation process necessary for production of haploid spermatozoa. Central to this unique process is spermatocyte meiosis. FOXJ2 (Forkhead box J2), a FOX transcription factor, is specifically expressed in meiotic spermatocytes in adult mouse testes, so we used a germ cell specific conditional knockout model (Foxj2(flox/flox) , Mvh-Cre) to explore its role in spermatogenesis. Loss of FOXJ2 in the male germ line led to meiotic arrest and complete infertility. Although, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) were initiated, Foxj2-deficient spermatocytes failed to form chromosomal synapses and perform DSB repair. Furthermore, Foxj2-deficient spermatocytes contained significantly less mRNA encoding DSB repair-associated factors (Rad18, Rad51, Brca1, Brca2, and Tex15) and meiotic arrest-related proteins (Fzr1, Hsp70-2, Spata22, Eif4g3, and Zpac); in contrast, no change was observed in the expression of spermatogonia markers (Gfra1, Zbtb16, and c-Kit) and germ cell markers (Dazl, Mvh, and Tra98). Taken together, FOXJ2 appears to promote meiotic progression in male mice by a mechanism that needs further investigation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 684-691, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Department of, Reproduction and Genetics, ChangZhi Medical College Affiliated HePing Hospital, ShanXi Province, China.
Hui
H
Miao
Department of, Reproduction and Genetics, ChangZhi Medical College Affiliated HePing Hospital, ShanXi Province, China.
Cong-Xiu
CX
Miao
Department of, Reproduction and Genetics, ChangZhi Medical College Affiliated HePing Hospital, ShanXi Province, China.
Na
N
Li
Department of, Reproduction and Genetics, ChangZhi Medical College Affiliated HePing Hospital, ShanXi Province, China.
Jing
J
Han
D000818:Animals; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D053903:DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D017353:Gene Deletion; D008297:Male; D008540:Meiosis / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D013090:Spermatocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D013093:Spermatogonia / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*
D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; C485809:Foxj2 protein, mouse