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Characterization of male meiotic germ cell‐specific antigen (Meg 1) by monoclonal antibody TRA 369 in mice
Author(s) -
Watanabe Daisuke,
Sawada Ken,
Koshimizu Uichi,
Kagawa Tsutomu,
Nishimune Yoshitake
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.1080330312
Subject(s) - biology , spermatocyte , somatic cell , germ cell , monoclonal antibody , antigen , spermatid , microbiology and biotechnology , meiosis , cytoplasm , antibody , spermatogenesis , immunology , genetics , gene , endocrinology
We have identified a male meiotic germ cell‐specific antigen (Meg 1) with monoclonal antibody (mAb) TRA 369 in mice. The Meg 1 antigen was strongly expressed in specific steps of meiotic germ cells from pachytene spermatocyte to early spermatid, and not in other germ cells or somatic cells. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that the antigen was localized to the cytoplasm and was not distributed in the nucleus or on the cell surface. This antigen was demonstrated to have a molecular weight of 93 kDa and an isoelectric point of 5.2 by Western blotting. This molecule was first detected in the testis of 13‐day‐old mouse when pachytene spermatocytes first appeared. Thus this is a differentiation‐specific antigen in male meiotic germ cells, and mAb TRA 369 is a useful tool to study the regulation of germ cell differentiation and to define germ cell development in a molecular level. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.