Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026
09:17
Generation of Maternal Mutants Using zpc:cas9 Knock-in Zebrafish
Published on: July 22, 2025
888
Tdrd12 Is Essential for Germ Cell Development and Maintenance in Zebrafish
Xiangyan Dai1, Yuqin Shu2,3, Qiyong Lou4
1Department of Medical Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China. dai_xiangyan@126.com.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 8, 2017
Summary
Tudor domain-related gene 12 (tdrd12) is essential for zebrafish germ cell development. Tdrd12 deficiency causes germ cell loss, leading to male infertility and masculinization.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) biogenesis is vital for germline development.
- Tudor domain-related proteins (Tdrds) play a role in spermatogenesis and the piRNA pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of zebrafish tdrd12 in germ cell development and gametogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Identification and characterization of zebrafish tdrd12.
- Generation of tdrd12-null mutant zebrafish using TALEN technology.
- Analysis of germ cell development, meiosis, and fertility in mutant fish.
Main Results:
- tdrd12 exhibits maternal and germ cell-specific expression in zebrafish.
- Tdrd12-deficient fish showed normal primordial germ cell (PGC) generation but developed into infertile males.
- Germ cell loss and meiosis defects were observed in Tdrd12-deficient fish by 35 days post fertilization (dpf), leading to masculinization.
Conclusions:
- Zebrafish Tdrd12 is indispensable for germ cell maintenance and development.
- Tdrd12 plays a critical role in gametogenesis, ensuring fertility.
