Overexpression of human SPATA17 protein induces germ cell apoptosis in transgenic male mice

Mol Biol Rep. 2013 Feb;40(2):1905-10. doi: 10.1007/s11033-012-2246-z. Epub 2012 Oct 19.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis*
  • Calmodulin-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Calmodulin-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Gene Expression*
  • Humans
  • Isoenzymes / genetics
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Organ Size
  • Phosphoglycerate Kinase / genetics
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Spermatocytes / metabolism*
  • Spermatocytes / physiology
  • Spermatogenesis*
  • Testis / cytology
  • Testis / metabolism

Substances

  • Calmodulin-Binding Proteins
  • Isoenzymes
  • SPATA17 protein, human
  • Phosphoglycerate Kinase
  • phosphoglycerate kinase, testis specific