Abstract
Differentiation of spermatids into spermatozoa is regulated via phosphorylated RNA-binding proteins that modulate the expression of stage-specific mRNAs. We demonstrate that the phosphoserine, -threonine or -tyrosine, interaction protein, Styx, complexes with a testicular RNA-binding protein and is essential for normal spermiogenesis. Ablation of Styx expression in mouse disrupts round and elongating spermatid development, resulting in a >1,000-fold decrease in spermatozoa production. Moreover, Styx(-/-) males are infertile because of structural head abnormalities in residual epididymal sperm. Immunoprecipitation of Styx with Crhsp-24, a phosphorylated RNA-binding protein implicated in translational repression of histone mRNAs, provides a strategy for regulating posttranscriptional gene expression.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Blotting, Northern
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Blotting, Western
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Carrier Proteins / biosynthesis*
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Carrier Proteins / genetics*
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DNA-Binding Proteins*
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Genetic Vectors
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Humans
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Models, Genetic
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Nuclear Matrix-Associated Proteins
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Phosphoproteins / biosynthesis
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Phosphorylation
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Plasmids / metabolism
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Precipitin Tests
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
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RNA / metabolism
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RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
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Spermatogenesis
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Spermatozoa / physiology*
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Testis / physiology
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Transcription Factors*
Substances
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CARHSP1 protein, human
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Carrier Proteins
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
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Nuclear Matrix-Associated Proteins
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Phosphoproteins
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Styx protein, mouse
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Transcription Factors
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RNA