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Expression of inhibin alpha-subunit gene during mouse gametogenesis.

Mammalian gametogenesis is regulated through complex interactions between germ and somatic cells. To investigate the mechanism underlying the differentiation of functional gametes, some genes specifically expressed during gametogenesis have been isolated and characterized. In a search for further examples of such genes, we have isolated from a newborn mouse testis cDNA library, a clone corresponding to mouse inhibin alpha-subunit. Although it is known that the inhibin alpha-subunit molecule is abundantly produced in ovarian follicle and in testicular Sertoli cells, the spatial and temporal patterns of expression of this gene remain to be elucidated. In this study, the patterns of expression of inhibin alpha-subunit mRNA during mouse gametogenesis were examined by RNA blot, cytoplasmic dot and in situ hybridization techniques. In the testis, the concentration of inhibin alpha-subunit mRNA increased from about 16 dpc (days post coitum), peaked at birth and then gradually decreased, paralleling testicular development. Inhibin alpha-subunit mRNA was localized in Sertoli cells of wild type as well as W/Wv testes. In adult testis, mRNA was restricted to the perinuclear cytoplasm of Sertoli cells. Inhibin alpha-subunit mRNA was expressed in follicle cells of adult ovary more abundantly than in adult testis. Analysis of expression during folliculogenesis showed that the accumulation of this mRNA began in preantrum follicles and the level of expression reached a maximum in Graafian follicles.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning and testicular expression of the gene transcripts encoding the murine multiubiquitin-chain-binding protein (Mcb1).

A murine cDNA encoding a homolog of the human multiubiquitin-chain-binding protein Mcb1 was isolated and sequenced from a mouse testis cDNA library. The encoded Mcb1 protein is highly conserved between mouse and human. Northern hybridisation showed expression of Mcb1 transcripts in all examined mouse tissues. In the testis, however, there is additionally a second, longer Mcb1 transcript in wild-type mice that is absent in the azoospermic W/Wv mutant mice, suggesting expression of this transcript in association with germ cell differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning of the human NCNF gene.

We have cloned from a cDNA library of human testis tissue the human homologue to the mouse nuclear orphan receptor NCNF (neuronal cell nuclear factor). The open reading frame encodes a protein of 480 amino acids, the sequence of which (EMBL accession no. X99975) is 98.3% identical to the mouse homologue. Northern blot analysis of adult human tissues revealed a broad pattern of tissue expression. Similar to NCNF expression in mouse testis, two transcript forms of the single copy gene are expressed in human tissues. The two transcript forms which differ only in their 3'UTR, result in human from differential polyadenylation, in mouse from alternative splicing. Based on the high level of sequence identity of human and murine NCNF, it is likely that also the human nuclear receptor is involved in the control of neurogenesis and gametogenesis.

Adult↗

Immune privilege of the testis for islet xenotransplantation (rat to mouse).

The testis has been suggested as an immune privileged site for islet transplantation. The present study evaluated this hypothesis by transplanting islets from Wistar Furth rats into (a) the testes; (b) the subcapsular space of the kidneys; or (c) the cryptorchid abdominal testes of streptozotocin-induced diabetic Swiss ND4 mice. Transplantation of 800 rat islets into the cryptorchid testes normalized blood glucose for 9.3 +/- 1.4 (Mean +/- SD) days, not significantly different from that of the scrotal testis site (12.4 +/- 1.3), or when the subcapsular space of the kidneys was used (11.5 +/- 1.2). When mouse islets were isotransplanted into the cryptorchid testes of diabetic mice, normoglycemia was maintained for the entire 3 month study period. Histologic examination of the islet xenograft-bearing cryptorchid testes at day 7 post transplantation and 2 days after returning to hyperglycemia revealed lymphocyte infiltration surrounding and inside the graft. No lymphocyte infiltration was seen in the isograft bearing-testes at 3 mo after transplantation. Cyclosporine A (CsA, 15 mg/kg/day) administration to the islet xenograft recipient slightly prolonged the normoglycemic period to 13.7 +/- 1.8 days (p < 0.01). Increasing CsA dose to 25 mg/kg induced a 66% (4/6) mortality, and did not further prolong the normoglycemic period. Using a lower number of rat islets (200 or 400 islets), prolonged graft survival was achieved in some (4 out of 20) animals when the cryptorchid testis was used. In contrast, transplantation of 400 rat islets into the subcapsular space of the kidneys was not associated with prolonged graft survival.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Molecular characterization of a testis-specific estrogen sulfotransferase and aberrant liver expression in obese and diabetogenic C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice.

Sulfation represents a major pathway for the inactivation of steroid hormones such as estrogens and is catalyzed by a group of enzymes called sulfotransferases. Aberrant regulation of an estrogen sulfotransferase has been demonstrated previously in the livers of obese and diabetogenic C57BL/KsJ-db/db strain mice. In this paper, we report the molecular cloning and functional characterization of a full-length complementary DNA for estrogen sulfotransferase from mouse testis. The mouse estrogen sulfotransferase complementary DNA encodes 295 amino acids. It shares 88%, 77%, 75%, and 68% identity in amino acid sequence with the rat liver, human liver, guinea pig adrenal, and bovine placental estrogen sulfotransferase, respectively. The mouse enzyme was expressed as a glutathione-S-transferase fusion protein in Escherichia coli. The fusion protein was affinity purified, and milligram quantities of pure enzyme were obtained after cleavage of the fusion protein with thrombin. The expressed enzyme exhibits a high substrate specificity toward estrogens, including estradiol and estrone. Neither dehydroepiandrosterone, pregnenolone, testosterone, nor a simple phenolic compound, 4-nitrophenol appears to be a substrate. Northern hybridization indicates that messenger RNA (1.3 kilobases) for the estrogen sulfotransferase is expressed exclusively in the testes in control C57BL/KsJ mice. However, both the messenger RNA and protein are dramatically induced in the livers of obese and diabetogenic C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice. In contrast to the liver, the constitutive expression of the enzyme in the testis is not affected by the db/db genotype. These results recapitulate the species-specific nature in the tissue distribution of estrogen sulfotransferase and suggest complex regulatory mechanisms in its expression under normal and pathophysiological conditions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Early expression of AMH in chicken embryonic gonads precedes testicular SOX9 expression.

In mammals, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced by Sertoli cells from the onset of testicular differentiation and by granulosa cells only after birth. SOX9, a transcription factor related to the testis-determining factor SRY, is expressed in mouse testis 1 day before AMH. To determine the relationship between AMH and SOX9 in birds, we cloned the AMH promoter in search of SOX9 response elements, and we compared the expression of AMH and SOX9 in the gonads of chick embryos using in situ hybridization. Potential SOX response elements were found in the AMH promoter; however, AMH is expressed in both sexes at stage 25, 1 day before the first SOX9 transcripts appear in the male gonads. SOX9 is never expressed in the female. These results do not support the hypothesis that SOX9 could trigger the expression of testicular AMH in the chick but does not exclude a later role in testis development.

Animals↗

Phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein is an abundant secretory product of haploid testicular germ cells in the rat.

An abundant cellular and secretory product of isolated seminiferous tubules from adult rats was identified as having an apparent molecular weight of approximately 24,000 and a pI of 5.3 on autoradiographs of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels. A protein with identical migration characteristics was identified as a major secretory product of isolated round spermatids. Microsequencing revealed that the protein had homology to phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein (PEBP) identified in rat brain. Primers were used in conjunction with RTPCR to amplify a partial cDNA which was used to probe a rat testis library to obtain full length clones. On Northern blots, PEBP mRNA was abundant in adult rat testis and epididymis and fractions enriched in germ cells but was very low/absent from fetal or immature rat testis or adult rat Sertoli cells. In situ hybridisation identified that abundant mRNA was first detectable in pachytene spermatocytes at stage VII and thereafter at particularly high levels in round and elongating spermatids until step 14. Proteins with significant sequence homology to the rat testis PEBP have been identified previously in mouse testis and epididymis, in rat germ cell cultures and coating the surface of mature rat sperm. Differences in the timing of expression of the PEBP mRNA (first expressed in pachytene spermatocytes) and secretion of the PEBP protein (not a major secretory product until round spermatids) is consistent with PEBP mRNA undergoing delayed translation. The role(s) of secreted lipid binding proteins in spermatogenesis are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Hox-5.1 defines a homeobox-containing gene locus on mouse chromosome 2.

We have isolated a murine homeobox-containing gene, Hox-5.1, by virtue of its relatedness to the Hox-1.4 gene. In situ hybridization to metaphase spreads mapped Hox-5.1 to band D of mouse chromosome 2. Sequence comparisons indicate that Hox-5.1 is the murine homolog of the human C13 homeobox-containing gene. Hox-5.1 also bears significant similarity to the Xenopus Xhox-1A homeobox-containing gene and the Drosophila deformed homeotic gene at N-terminal and homeobox regions. Hox-5.1 transcripts were detected in mouse embryos, in adult mouse testis, kidney, heart, and intestine, and in mouse embryonal carcinoma cells treated with retinoic acid. In situ hybridization to sections from whole mouse embryos revealed Hox-5.1 expression in spinal cord and prevertebrae.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Endotoxin-induced expression of murine bactericidal permeability/increasing protein is mediated exclusively by toll/IL-1 receptor domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-beta-dependent pathways.

Antimicrobial effector proteins are a key mechanism for the innate immune system to combat pathogens once they infect the host. We report the identification and cloning of the mouse homologue of human bactericidal permeability/increasing protein (BPI). Mouse BPI is constitutively expressed in lymphatic organs and tissues as well as in mouse testis. Upon stimulation with different TLR ligands, mouse BPI is strongly expressed in granulocytes and, surprisingly, in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Mouse BPI is most strongly induced by bacterial LPS through a signaling pathway that is completely dependent on TLR4-Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-beta. Functional studies revealed that mouse BPI does have the potential to neutralize LPS and inhibits bacterial growth. Mouse BPI is expressed in granulocytes and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells, and the transcriptional activation is controlled by TLRs.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Testis-specific and developmentally induced expression of a ghrelin gene-derived transcript that encodes a novel polypeptide in the mouse.

Ghrelin is a novel growth hormone-releasing peptide isolated from rat stomach. In the present study, we report expression of a ghrelin gene-derived transcript (GGDT) in the mouse testis. Analysis of GGDT cDNA revealed that the 68 bp sequence at the 5'-end was unique and the remaining 252 bp sequence was identical with the sequence encoded by exons 4 and 5 of mouse ghrelin gene. The 5'-unique sequence encoded 12 amino acid residues being in-frame with the C-terminal 42 amino acid sequence of mouse ghrelin. The 54-amino-acid polypeptide encoded by GGDT contained no apparent signal peptide sequence but possessed a nuclear localization signal-like sequence. Ghrelin mRNA was extensively expressed in the stomach, while GGDT was expressed only in the testis. The 5'-unique sequence of GGDT was identified between exons 3 and 4 of the ghrelin gene, indicating that GGDT was generated by alternative usage of the 68 bp exon as the testis-specific first exon. The GGDT expression in the testis was initiated and increased after 2 weeks of postnatal period. These results indicate that the expression of GGDT is regulated in testis-specific and developmental stage-specific manners.

Age Factors↗

Murine phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase: cDNA sequence, tissue expression, and mapping.

Phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx), also known as glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), is a 19-kDa, monomeric enzyme that protects cells from lipid peroxide-mediated damage by catalyzing the reduction of lipid peroxides. PHGPx is synthesized in two forms, as a 194-amino acid peptide that predominates in gonadal tissue and localizes to mitochondria, and as a 170-amino acid protein that predominates in most somatic tissues and localizes to the cytoplasm. With the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) procedure, an 876-bp PHGPx cDNA was amplified from mouse testis, and a 767-bp PHGPx cDNA was amplified from mouse heart. The cDNA sequences were identical except that the testis cDNA contained an additional 109 bp at its 5' end. With a partial cDNA with complete homology to both the testis and myocardial PHGPx cDNAs, the murine tissue distribution of PHGPx mRNA expression was determined by Northern blotting. Highest level of PHGPx expression was found in the testis, followed by the kidney, heart and skeletal muscle, liver, brain, lung, and spleen. Northern blotting performed with a cDNA specific for the longer PHGPx transcript demonstrated that this longer PHGPx transcript was present only in the testis. A 1.4-kb PHGPx genomic fragment was amplified from murine kidney DNA and used to map the PHGPx gene by linkage analysis of restriction fragment length variants (RFLVs). The murine PHGPx gene (Gpx4) was mapped to a region of murine Chromosome (Chr) 10, located 43 cM from the centromere, that is syntenic with the human locus, which is located at the terminus of the short arm of human Chr 19. This information may be valuable in characterizing the role of PHGPx in modulating susceptibility to lipid peroxide-mediated injury in inbred murine strains and for targeted disruption of the gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine phosphatase that is specifically expressed in spermatocytes.

We identified a novel gene encoding protein-tyrosine phosphatase using a polymerase chain reaction-based method. Northern blot hybridization of RNAs from various tissues with the polymerase chain reaction-amplified DNA fragment showed that this gene was expressed exclusively in the testis. Complementary DNAs for this gene, termed typ (testis-specific tyrosine phosphatase), were obtained from a mouse testis cDNA library. Nucleotide sequencing of the cDNAs revealed an open reading frame that encoded 426 amino acids. The predicted Typ protein contained a single catalytic domain at the carboxyl-terminal half. No hydrophobic stretch for a possible transmembrane sequence or signal sequence was found, suggesting that Typ is a cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine phosphatase. The amino-terminal half of Typ did not share significant homologies with the other known proteins but contained a region rich in PEST residues. Indirect immunofluorescence studies and in situ hybridization analysis showed that Typ was specifically expressed in testicular germ cells that underwent meiosis. Developmentally, Typ was detected between 2 and 3 weeks after birth, in parallel with the onset of meiosis. Thus, Typ is a new member of the cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine phosphatases that may play an important role(s) in spermatogenesis and/or meiosis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[The effect of gonadotropic hormones and the fetal hypophysis on testosterone production by the testis of 18 day mouse fetuses in organ culture].

The production of testosterone (measured by radioimmuno-assay) by the 18-day-old mouse fetal testis may be stimulated specifically by ovine LH (1 ng, p less than 0.005) and HCG in organ culture. A stimulation by FSH is observed only with high doses (10 mug, p less than 0.0005). Prolactin and ACTH have no effect. Age-matched fetal pituitaries increase significantly the testosterone production in the culture medium (p less than 0.0005).

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Characterization of a cDNA clone encoding a basic protein, TP2, involved in chromatin condensation during spermiogenesis in the mouse.

A cDNA clone encoding a small cysteine and serine-rich basic protein has been isolated from a mouse testis cDNA library. This cDNA clone encodes the mouse homologue of a protein involved in the initial phases of condensation of chromatin during spermiogenesis in rats, TP2, based on similarities in the sequence of the carboxyl terminus, composition, molecular weight, and electrophoretic mobility. Mouse TP2 can be divided into a highly basic domain comprising about one-third of the polypeptide chain at the carboxyl terminus and a much less basic domain comprising the remaining two-thirds at the amino terminus. The 5' end of the mouse TP2 mRNA contains two in-phase initiation codons both of which may be used generating two polypeptides which differ in length at the amino terminus. Southern blots demonstrate that there is a single copy of the TP2 gene in the mouse genome and Northern blots demonstrate that the polyadenylated TP2 mRNA is present at high and essentially equal levels in early and late haploid cells, and that it is virtually absent from meiotic cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Germ cells and germ cell transplantation.

The germ cell lineage in mice is established about a week after fertilization, in a group of cells that have left the epiblast and moved to an extraembryonic site. They migrate back into the embryo, along the hind gut and into the gonads. Germ cells in male and female embryos then pursue different pathways: in the testis the germ cells cease proliferating and enter mitotic arrest, while germ cells in the ovary, like those in male embryos that remain outside the gonads, enter meiotic prophase. Studies on explanted germ cells suggest that all germ cells may enter meiosis at a certain stage of their development, unless prevented from doing so by some inhibitory influence of the testis. Germ cells during the migratory stage can be cultured, but do not enter meiosis unless embedded in somatic tissue. Addition of certain growth factors and cytokines to the culture medium allows germ cells to proliferate indefinitely in vitro: Like embryonic stem cells, these immortalized EG (embryonic germ) cells will colonize all cell lineages if introduced into a blastocyst. After birth, germ cells undergo gametogenesis; oogenesis in the female, spermatogenesis in the male. Brinster and his colleagues have shown that spermatogonial stem cells injected into a germ-cell depleted testis will repopulate the seminiferous tubules and undergo spermatogenesis, giving rise to functional spermatozoa. Stem cells from frozen testicular tissue are still capable of giving rise to spermatogenesis in a host testis. Rat testicular tissue can undergo spermatogenesis in a mouse testis, to form morphologically normal rat spermatozoa, even though the Sertoli cells that support them are of endogenous mouse origin. These findings are of fundamental importance for our understanding of spermatogenesis and the interactions between germ cells and Sertoli cells; but they also have significant practical implications, in relation to both agricultural practice and clinical treatment of infertility.

Animals↗

Identification of the fourth member of the mammalian endoprotease family homologous to the yeast Kex2 protease. Its testis-specific expression.

We used the polymerase chain reaction to identify a mouse testis cDNA that represented another member of a growing class of mammalian endoproteases involved in the processing of precursor proteins. This cDNA encoded a 655-residue protein, designated PC4, containing a bacterial subtilisin-like catalytic domain closely related to those of the recently characterized precursor-processing endoproteases, furin, PC1/PC3, PC2, and Kex2. Within this domain, the amino acid sequence of PC4 was 70, 58, 55, and 45% identical with those of mouse furin, mouse PC1/PC3, mouse PC2, and yeast Kex2, respectively. Northern blot analysis indicated that the PC4 mRNA was detectable only in the testes after the 20th day of postnatal development. Moreover, this message was mainly expressed in the round spermatids. These data suggest that PC4 represents a prime candidate for a precursor-processing endoprotease in the testicular germ cells and that its gene expression is regulated during spermatogenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The major form of the murine asialoglycoprotein receptor: cDNA sequence and expression in liver, testis and epididymis.

Northern blot analysis of poly(A)+RNAs isolated from mouse liver or mouse testis (Te)/epididymis (Ep) reveals that both tissues express 1.5- and 7.5-kb transcripts which have extensive homology to the major form of the rat asialoglyco-protein receptor (ASGP-R). In situ hybridization studies have localized the expression of this ASGP-R-like transcript to late-stage sperm from Te and Ep of several different strains of mice. Swiss Webster mice express this ASGP-R-like transcript in late-stage spermatids at the time of release into the seminiferous tubule and in Ep sperm, while Balb/C, NIH Swiss and C57Bl/6 mice express this ASGP-R-like transcript predominantly in Ep sperm. cDNAs containing the entire coding region for this ASGP-R-like transcript have been cloned from mouse liver and mouse Te/Ep. These cDNAs are 100% identical in the coding region and 3'-untranslated region (UTR), but differ in the 5'-UTR. The gene encoding these cDNAs is called MHL-1, designating the major form of the mouse ASGP-R. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence of MHL-1 shares 88% homology to the rat hepatic (He) lectin form 1 (RHL-1) and 78% homology to the human asialoglycoprotein receptor form 1 (H1). The three sites for N-linked glycosylation in the RHL-1 sequence are all conserved in the deduced MHL-1 sequence. Taken collectively, these data describe the cloning and sequencing of the MHL-1 cDNA and illustrate its deduced aa homology to RHL-1 and H1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A murine fer testis-specific transcript (ferT) encodes a truncated Fer protein.

A cDNA for a potential tyrosine kinase-encoding mRNA was isolated from a mouse testis cDNA library. In a survey of eight mouse tissues, a transcript of 2.4 kilobases restricted to testis tissue was found. The mRNA encodes a 453-amino-acid protein of 51,383 daltons, the smallest tyrosine kinase protein ever described. RNA synthesized from the cDNA template directs the synthesis of a 51,000-Mr protein in a cell-free translation system. The carboxy-terminal 409 amino acids are 98 and 90% identical to the carboxy halves of the rat and human Fer proteins, respectively. This suggests that the cDNA represents an alternatively spliced testis-specific fer mRNA and is therefore termed by us ferT. On the basis of the appearance time of the fer mRNA in the testis of maturing neonatal mice, we speculate on the role played by this protein in the development of this organ.

Amino Acid Sequence↗