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A testicular germ cell-associated serine-threonine kinase, MAK, is dispensable for sperm formation

Yoichi Shinkai1, Hideo Satoh, Naoki Takeda

  • 1Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan. yshinkai@virus.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Molecular and Cellular Biology
|April 25, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) superfamily member MAK is not essential for male fertility. MAK-deficient mice showed normal development and intact spermatogenesis, with only mild reductions in litter size and sperm motility.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Molecular genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) superfamily member MAK has restricted gene expression in testicular germ cells.
  • MAK's proposed role in spermatogenesis necessitates functional investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the biological function of MAK in male reproduction.
  • To assess the necessity of MAK for spermatogenesis and male fertility.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of MAK-deficient (Mak(-/-)) mice.
  • Phenotypic analysis of Mak(-/-) mice, including development, spermatogenesis, fertility, litter size, and sperm motility.

Main Results:

  • Mak(-/-) mice exhibited normal development without gross abnormalities.
  • Spermatogenesis remained intact in MAK-deficient mice, with most individuals being fertile.
  • A mild reduction in litter size and in vitro sperm motility was observed in Mak(-/-) males.

Conclusions:

  • MAK function is not essential for the completion of spermatogenesis.
  • MAK is not indispensable for male fertility, although it may play a modulatory role.

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