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Nxf3 is expressed in Sertoli cells, but is dispensable for spermatogenesis
Author(s) -
Zhou Jian,
Pan Jieyan,
Eckardt Sigrid,
Leu N. Adrian,
McLaughlin K. John,
Wang P. Jeremy
Publication year - 2011
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.21291
Subject(s) - sertoli cell , biology , spermatogenesis , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , cre recombinase , germ cell , gene expression , testicle , genetics , endocrinology , transgene , genetically modified mouse
In eukaryotes, mRNA is actively exported to the cytoplasm by a family of nuclear RNA export factors (NXF). Four Nxf genes have been identified in the mouse: Nxf1 , Nxf2 , Nxf3 , and Nxf7 . Inactivation of Nxf2 , a germ cell‐specific gene, causes defects in spermatogenesis. Here we report that Nxf3 is expressed exclusively in Sertoli cells of the postnatal testis, in a developmentally regulated manner. Expression of Nxf3 coincides with the cessation of Sertoli cell proliferation and the beginning of their differentiation. Continued expression of Nxf3 in mature Sertoli cells of the adult is spermatogenesis stage‐independent. Nxf3 is not essential for spermatogenesis, however, suggesting functional redundancy among Nxf family members. With its unique expression pattern in the testis, the promoter of Nxf3 can be used to drive postnatal Sertoli cell‐specific expression of other proteins such as Cre recombinase. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:241–249, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.