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The identification and characterization of a testis-specific cDNA during spermatogenesis

Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters volume 11, pages80–89 (2006) | Download Citation

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Abstract

Using bioinformatics and experimental validation, we obtained a cDNA (named srsf) which was exclusively expressed in the mouse testes. RT-PCR analysis showed that srsf mRNA was not expressed in the gonad during the sex determination period or during embryogenesis. In developing mouse tests, srsf expression was first detected on post-natal day 10, reached its highest level on day 23, and then reduced to and remained at a moderate level throughout adulthood. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that srsf mRNA was expressed in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids in the testes. The predicted protein contains one RNA-binding domain (RBD) and a serine-arginine rich domain (RS), which are characterized by some splicing factors of SR family members. These findings indicate that srsf may play a role during spermatogenesis.

Abbreviations

A:

type Aspermatogonia

In:

intermediate spermatogonia

B:

type B spermatogonia

PL:

preleptotene spermatocytes

L:

leptotene spermatocytes

Zs:

zygotene spermatocytes

EPs:

early pachytene spermatocytes

LPs:

late pachytene spermatocytes

Ds:

diplotene spermatocytes

MI:

first meiosis

MII:

second meiosis

Rs:

round spermatids

Es:

elongated spermatids

S16:

step 16 spermatids

E:

early

L:

late

SG:

spermatogonia

SC:

spermatocytes

ST:

round spermatid.

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Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China

    • Ying Chen
    • , Ping Song
    •  & Wuming Gong

  2. Department of Gynecology and obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China

    • Jiarui Hu

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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ping Song.

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Key Words

  • Expression pattern
  • Spermatogenesis
  • Splicing factor

Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters

ISSN: 1689-1392

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