Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Enrichment of Pachytene Spermatocytes and Spermatids from Mouse Testes Using Standard Laboratory Equipment
Published on: September 17, 2019
Expression of Prnp mRNA (prion protein gene) in mouse spermatogenic cells
Masahiko Fujisawa1, Yoshiakira Kanai, Sang-Yoon Nam
1Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Japan. msf34jsw@mail.vm.a.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Abstract:
The Prnp (prion protein) gene, which encodes a soluble protein anchored to the cell surface by glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI), might be involved in cell-to-cell interaction. The expression of Prnp is strongly observed not only in the brain, but also in non-neuronal tissues. In order to examine the Prnp expression sites in mouse testes, we carried out Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses. By Northern blot analysis, two kinds of Prnp transcripts (major band of 2.2 kb, and minor band of 1.1 kb) were detected in testes. The 2.2-kb transcript was observed in testes throughout the postnatal development, whereas the 1.1-kb transcript was observed in testes from 2 to 70 weeks old. In situ hybridization analysis showed that the positive signals for Prnp mRNAs were predominantly observed in spermatogenic cells, but not in somatic cells such as Sertoli cells, Leydig cells and peritubular myoid cells. The signals were observed moderately in spermatogonia, and strongly in spermatocytes and round spermatids, but not in elongate spermatids and spermatozoa. These results suggest that Prnp may be involved in germ cell differentiation during mammalian spermatogenesis.
Insights
The prion protein (Prnp) gene is expressed in mouse testes, particularly in developing sperm cells. This suggests Prnp plays a role in germ cell differentiation during spermatogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The prion protein (Prnp) gene encodes a protein involved in cell surface interactions.
- Prnp expression is known in the brain and various non-neuronal tissues.
- Its role in male reproductive tissues remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression sites of the Prnp gene within mouse testes.
- To determine the specific cell types and developmental stages where Prnp is active in the testis.
Main Methods:
- Northern blot analysis to detect Prnp transcripts in testicular tissue.
- In situ hybridization to localize Prnp mRNA within testicular cell populations.
Main Results:
- Two Prnp transcripts (2.2 kb and 1.1 kb) were detected in mouse testes.
- The 2.2-kb transcript was present throughout postnatal development.
- The 1.1-kb transcript was detected from 2 to 70 weeks old.
- In situ hybridization revealed Prnp mRNA predominantly in spermatogenic cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, round spermatids), but not somatic cells.
Conclusions:
- Prnp gene expression is localized to specific stages of germ cell development in the mouse testis.
- These findings suggest a potential role for Prnp in mammalian germ cell differentiation and spermatogenesis.
