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Identification and characterization of a novel testicular germ cell‐specific gene Ggnbp1
Author(s) -
Zhou Yu,
Zhao Qingguo,
Bishop Colin E.,
Huang Peitang,
Lu Baisong
Publication year - 2005
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.20214
Subject(s) - biology , germ cell , gene , blot , spermatogenesis , testicle , meiosis , microbiology and biotechnology , gene expression , genome , genetics , in situ hybridization , somatic cell , yeast , anatomy , endocrinology
Abstract A novel gene Ggnbp1 was identified during yeast two‐hybrid screening of gametogenetin protein 1 (GGN1)‐interacting proteins. Ggnbp1 gene was found in mouse, rat, and human genomes but not in sequenced yeast, worms, fly, or fish genomes. Northern blotting analysis revealed that the gene was specifically expressed in the testis but not expressed in the other tissues. In situ hybridization showed that it was testicular germ cell‐specific and was specifically expressed in later primary spermatocytes, meiotic cells, and early round spermatids. Western blotting analysis detected a protein of expected size in and only in the testis. By making membrane and cytosolic fractions of germ cells, we were able to show that GGNBP1 associated with the membrane. The identification and characterization of a novel germ cell‐specific gene Ggnbp1 is the first step toward the defining of the functions of Ggnbp1 in spermatogenesis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 70: 301–307, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.