Abstract
BackgroundSpermatogenesis is the complex process by which diploid stem cells generate haploid germ cells in gamete production. Members of the Xlr (X-chromosome linked, lymphocyte regulated) superfamily play essential roles in spermatogenesis. The expression, localization and role in spermatogenesis of one such member, Xlr5c, has not been reported previously.Methodology/Principal FindingsXlr5c mRNA and protein levels in murine testes and other tissues were investigated using RT-PCR and Western blotting. Xlr5c was abundantly transcribed in mouse testes, particularly during the early stages of spermatogenesis and throughout prophase I in the nuclei of spermatocytes. Xlr5c was specifically localized at synaptonemal complexes(SCs) region in preleptotene and pachytene spermatocytes, as was the homologous Xlr protein Sycp3.Conclusions/SignificanceThese results suggest that Xlr5c was abundantly transcribed in germ cells, localized at SCs region, where it may play a potential role during the early stages of spermatogenesis. Identification and characterization of this novel testis protein may offer a new perspective for understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in germ cell differentiation.
Highlights
Spermatogenesis is a highly complex process by which diploid cells differentiate into haploid gametes during sexual reproduction
All Xlr family genes are on the X or the Y sex chromosomes except synaptonemal complex protein 3 (Sycp3), which is located on chromosome 10
The Xlr superfamily has an estimated 50 ~75 copies per haploid genome, and functions in meiosis, post-meiotic maturation and fertilization of germ cells have been reported for various members, including Sycp3 [6], Sycp3-like X-linked 2 (Slx2) [7], Xmr [10], Slxl1[12] and Sycp3-like Y-linked (Sly) [13]
Summary
Spermatogenesis is the complex process by which diploid stem cells generate haploid germ cells in gamete production. Xlr5c was abundantly transcribed in mouse testes, during the early stages of spermatogenesis and throughout prophase I in the nuclei of spermatocytes. Xlr5c was localized at synaptonemal complexes(SCs) region in preleptotene and pachytene spermatocytes, as was the homologous Xlr protein Sycp. These results suggest that Xlr5c was abundantly transcribed in germ cells, localized at SCs region, where it may play a potential role during the early stages of spermatogenesis.
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