Open AccessThe male germline-specific protein MAPS is indispensable for pachynema progression and fertility
Author(s) -
Miao Li,
Jiahuan Zheng,
Gaopeng Li,
Zexiong Lin,
Dongliang Li,
Dongteng Liu,
Haiwei Feng,
Dandan Cao,
Ernest Hung Yu Ng,
Raymond Li,
Chunsheng Han,
William S.B. Yeung,
Louise T. Chow,
Hengbin Wang,
Kui Liu
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2025421118
Subject(s) - biology , spermatocyte , meiosis , germline , x chromosome , somatic cell , germ cell , genetics , gene , spermatogenesis , male infertility , microbiology and biotechnology , ploidy , infertility , endocrinology , pregnancy
Significance During meiosis prophase I in mammals, a series of events occur, such as homologous recombination, DSB repair, crossover formation, XY body formation, and meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). We report here that a male pachynema-specific (MAPS) protein is essential for prophase I progression in mouse spermatocytes.Maps knockout causes the demise of pachytene spermatocytes throughout early to mid- and late pachynema, resulting in male but not female infertility. Moreover, protein ubiquitination was dramatically increased inMaps −/− pachytene spermatocytes, likely contributing to the dysregulated global gene expression, including failed MSCI. In summary, MAPS is an indispensable protein for male fertility.