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Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Using Mouse Oocytes to Assess Human Gene Function During Meiosis I
Published on: April 10, 2018
SKAP, an outer kinetochore protein, is required for mouse germ cell development
Corinne Grey1, Julien Espeut2, Rachel Ametsitsi2
1CNRSIGH (UPR1142), 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34396 Montpellier, FranceCNRSCRBM (UMR5237), 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, FranceINRADépartement Biologie et Amélioration des Plantes, route de Saint-Cyr, 78026 Versailles, FranceCollège de FranceCIRB (UMR CNRS 7241/INSERM- U1050), 11 Place Marcelin Berthelot, 75005 Paris, FranceDepartamento de BiologíaFacultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain corinne.grey@igh.cnrs.fr bernard.de-massy@igh.cnrs.fr.
Small kinetochore-associated protein (SKAP) is vital for male gametogenesis in mice. SKAP deficiency impairs sperm production and testis size by affecting germ cell division and chromosome segregation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Accurate chromosome segregation during gametogenesis is essential for genetic transmission.
- Kinetochores, protein complexes at centromeres, mediate chromosome-microtubule interactions.
- Small kinetochore-associated protein (SKAP) is a key component of the kinetochore.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression profile and function of SKAP in mouse germline.
- To determine the role of SKAP in male gametogenesis and chromosome segregation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of SKAP expression in mouse germline tissues.
- Generation and analysis of SKAP-deficient mice.
- Assessment of testis size, sperm production, and meiotic progression.
Main Results:
- Two SKAP isoforms are specifically expressed in the mouse germline.
- SKAP-deficient mice exhibit significantly reduced testis size and sperm production.
- Defects in spermatogonia proliferation and chromosome segregation were observed in mutant mice.
Conclusions:
- Mouse SKAP plays a critical role in male gametogenesis, distinct from its role in somatic cells.
- SKAP likely stabilizes kinetochore-microtubule interactions, ensuring accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis.
- SKAP is essential for maintaining the fidelity of genetic transmission through male gametes.
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