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Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...

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Updated: May 25, 2026

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model

Published on: February 6, 2018

BNC1 is required for maintaining mouse spermatogenesis.

Xiaohong Zhang¹, Weichin Chou, Lisa Haig-Ladewig

¹Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. mszhxh@gmail.com

Genesis (New York, N.Y. : 2000)

|January 24, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Basonuclin (BNC1) is crucial for maintaining male fertility in mice. BNC1 deficiency leads to progressive germ cell loss and sub-fertility, highlighting its essential role in spermatogenesis.

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Last Updated: May 25, 2026

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Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Molecular Genetics
Cell Biology

Background:

Basonuclin (BNC1) is a zinc finger protein found in gametogenic cells.
Previous studies indicated BNC1 expression in various germ cell types but not Sertoli cells.
The specific function of BNC1 in spermatogenesis remained undetermined.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of BNC1 in the maintenance of spermatogenesis in mice.
To determine the consequences of BNC1 deficiency on male reproductive function and testis development.

Main Methods:

Generation and analysis of Bnc1-null (knockout) and heterozygous mice.
Histological examination of seminiferous epithelia.
Assessment of sperm count, motility, and testis weight.

Main Results:

Bnc1-null male mice exhibited sub-fertility with progressive germ cell loss and seminiferous epithelium degeneration.
Sperm count and motility significantly decreased with age in Bnc1-null mice.
Bnc1 heterozygotes showed reduced sperm count and testis weight, indicating a dosage-dependent effect.

Conclusions:

BNC1 is essential for the maintenance of spermatogenesis in mice.
BNC1 deficiency leads to age-dependent male sub-fertility and impaired testis development.
These findings establish BNC1 as a critical factor in male reproductive health.