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FOXJ2 controls meiosis during spermatogenesis in male mice
Author(s) -
Miao Hui,
Miao CongXiu,
Li Na,
Han Jing
Publication year - 2016
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.22671
Subject(s) - biology , meiosis , spermatogenesis , spermatocyte , germ cell , rad51 , genetics , homologous recombination , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , endocrinology
SUMMARY Spermatogenesis is a highly complex cell differentiation process necessary for production of haploid spermatozoa. Central to this unique process is spermatocyte meiosis. FOXJ2 (Forkhead box J2), a FOX transcription factor, is specifically expressed in meiotic spermatocytes in adult mouse testes, so we used a germ cell specific conditional knockout model ( Foxj2 flox/flox , Mvh ‐Cre) to explore its role in spermatogenesis. Loss of FOXJ2 in the male germ line led to meiotic arrest and complete infertility. Although, DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) were initiated, Foxj2 ‐deficient spermatocytes failed to form chromosomal synapses and perform DSB repair. Furthermore, Foxj2 ‐deficient spermatocytes contained significantly less mRNA encoding DSB repair‐associated factors ( Rad18 , Rad51 , Brca1 , Brca2 , and Tex15 ) and meiotic arrest‐related proteins ( Fzr1 , Hsp70 ‐ 2 , Spata22 , Eif4g3 , and Zpac ); in contrast, no change was observed in the expression of spermatogonia markers ( Gfra1 , Zbtb16 , and c‐Kit ) and germ cell markers ( Dazl , Mvh , and Tra98 ). Taken together, FOXJ2 appears to promote meiotic progression in male mice by a mechanism that needs further investigation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 684–691, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc .