Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
10:00
RiboTag Immunoprecipitation in the Germ Cells of the Male Mouse
Published on: March 4, 2020
Transgenic Stra8-EYFP pigs: a model for developing male germ cell technologies
Jeffrey R Sommer1, Lauren R Jackson, Sean G Simpson
1Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7621, USA.
Transgenic Research
|August 10, 2011
Summary
Transgenic pigs expressing a Stra8-EYFP-mito gene allow for the identification of specific male germ cell stages. This facilitates research in germ cell transplantation and in vitro spermatogenesis studies.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mammalian male germ line comprises spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids.
- Identifying these germ cell types in vitro presents challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop transgenic pigs for identifying specific male germ cell stages in vitro.
- To utilize a germ cell-specific promoter to drive reporter gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Generated transgenic pigs with a Stimulated by Retinoic Acid 8 (Stra8) promoter driving mitochondrial localized enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP-mito).
- Analyzed transgene expression in testicular tissue via Western blot.
- Cultured single cells and seminiferous tubules in vitro, examining EYFP expression using epifluorescent microscopy.
- Used antibodies for EYFP-mito and STRA8 to assess co-localization with endogenous markers like NANOG.
Main Results:
- Transgene expression was confirmed to be specific to testicular tissue.
- EYFP expression was observed in cultured cells for up to 5 days.
- EYFP-mito co-localized with STRA8 and the stem cell marker NANOG in seminiferous tubule cells.
Conclusions:
- The Stra8-EYFP transgene is expressed in spermatogenic cells, enabling visualization of specific germ cell types.
- These transgenic pigs provide a valuable tool for germ cell transplantation and in vitro spermatogenesis research.
