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Analysis of expression of multiple genes encoding calmodulin during spermatogenesis
1Department of Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.
Molecular Endocrinology (Baltimore, Md.)
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Multiple calmodulin genes encode the identical protein, with distinct RNA expression patterns observed during rat testis cell differentiation and spermatogenesis. These findings suggest differential regulation of calmodulin gene expression in germ cells.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Calmodulin, an intracellular calcium receptor, is encoded by a multigene family.
- At least three calmodulin genes producing identical protein are expressed in mammalian testes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relative levels of calmodulin RNAs during rat testis cell differentiation.
- To understand the developmental patterns of calmodulin gene expression during spermatogenesis.
Main Methods:
- RNA blot hybridization and in situ hybridization were employed.
- Analysis of RNA from purified somatic and germinal cells and fixed testis sections.
- Use of specific probes for three rat calmodulin genes (CaM I, CaM II, CaM III).
Main Results:
- Each calmodulin RNA exhibits a unique developmental pattern during spermatogenesis.
- CaM I and CaM III RNA levels increase in early meiotic cells and remain constant through meiosis.
- CaM II RNA shows a transient elevation during pachytene spermatocytes, decreasing in spermatids.
Conclusions:
- Individual germ cells express RNAs from multiple calmodulin genes.
- Divergent calmodulin genes may be subject to distinct cellular regulatory signals during spermatogenesis.