RNA Expression in Male Germ Cells During Spermatogenesis (Male Germ Cell Transcriptome)

Abstract

Spermatogenesis is a key process in mammalian reproduction. This highly ordered process requires precise and well-controlled programs governed by dynamic patterns of gene expression. Some genes are exclusive to spermatogenic cells, while others are closely related to genes expressed in somatic cells. Although key genes in male germ cell development have been identified, the biological mechanisms and transcripts that govern the programs of spermatogonial stem cell renewal, germ cell differentiation during spermatogenesis, or fertilization remain largely unknown. This is partly due to the lack of information on the identity of genes involved. However, with the advent of various high-throughput genomic assays, it is now possible to obtain the whole-genome RNA expression. This chapter provides a brief account of current knowledge of the male germ cell transcriptome as revealed by studies using expression profiling platforms such as microarray and Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE). Major findings with regard to transcriptional regulation, transcript diversity, and chromatin-related regulation during male germ cell development are reviewed.