Abstract
ObjectiveSpermatogenesis is a complex process controlled by a plethora of genes. Changes in expression and function of these genes may thus lead to spermatogenic deficiency and male infertility. TEX11, TEX12, TEX14 and TEX15 are germ cell-specific genes expressed in the testis. TEX11, involved in the initiation and maintenance of chromosome synapses in meiotic chromosomes, has been shown to be essential for meiosis and fertility in males. TEX14, a component of intercellular bridges in germ cells, is required for spermatogenesis and fertility. TEX12 and TEX15 are essential for correct assembly of the synaptonemal complex and thus meiosis progression.MethodsIn order to examine whether changes in expression of these genes is associated with impaired spermatogenesis, expression levels of these genes were quantified by RT-qPCR on samples retrieved from infertile patients submitted to diagnostic testicular biopsy at Royan institute. Samples were divided into two groups of 18 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia considered as case; nine patients with obstructive azoospermia were included in the control group.ResultsA significant down-regulation of these genes was observed in the SCOS group when compared to the control group.ConclusionThis result suggests that regular expression of TEX11, TEX12, TEX14 and TEX15 is essential for the early stages of spermatogenesis.
Highlights
Male-factor infertility apparently accounts for 40% to 50% of infertile complications and may be defined by environmental reasons, infections, immunological or hormonal insufficiencies, while many are regulated by genetic factors (Hirsh, 2003; Brugh & Lipshultz, 2004; Boyle et al, 1992; Ma et al, 2016)
In order to examine whether changes in expression of these genes is associated with impaired spermatogenesis, expression levels of these genes were quantified by reverse transcription (RT)-qPCR on samples retrieved from infertile patients submitted to diagnostic testicular biopsy at Royan institute
This result suggests that regular expression of TEX11, TEX12, TEX14 and TEX15 is essential for the early stages of spermatogenesis
Summary
Male-factor infertility apparently accounts for 40% to 50% of infertile complications and may be defined by environmental reasons, infections, immunological or hormonal insufficiencies, while many are regulated by genetic factors (Hirsh, 2003; Brugh & Lipshultz, 2004; Boyle et al, 1992; Ma et al, 2016). Spermatogenesis is a complex process controlled by thousands of genes, where any change in the expression or function of these genes may lead to spermatogenic failure and male infertility (Zhou et al, 2009; Westerveld, 2008). Previous studies have revealed that TEX11, TEX12, TEX14 and TEX15 expression is restricted to germ cells and is not detectable in somatic tissues of humans and mice (Wang et al, 2001; Adelman & Petrini, 2008). Multiple studies have shown that X-linked germ cell-specific genes such as testis-expressed gene 11 (Tex11) have significant roles in regulating male fertility (Zheng et al, 2010; Matzuk & Lamb, 2008). TEX11 expression has been associated with the onset of spermatogenesis, restricted to spermatocytes and round spermatids (Wang et al, 2005; Tang et al, 2011)
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