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Genetic analysis and developmental regulation of testis-specific RNA expression of Mos, Abl, actin and Hox-1.4
F Propst1, M P Rosenberg, M K Oskarsson
1BRI-Basic Research Program, NCI-Frederick Cancer Research Facility, Maryland 21701.
Abstract:
The pattern of Mos proto-oncogene RNA expression in the gonads of the sterile mouse mutants, dominant spotting (W), sex reversal (Sxr), testicular feminization (Tfm), hypogonadal (hpg), quaking (qk), two t-haplotypes, three X-autosomal translocations, and the YPOS strain, is consistent with its presence in haploid spermatids in the testes and in oocytes in the ovaries. In the male-sterile mouse mutants the pattern of expression of the testis-specific transcripts for Abl, actin, and the mouse homeobox Hox-1.4 genes is identical to that observed for Mos. However, during the postnatal onset of normal spermatogenesis we detected differences in the time of the appearance of the four transcripts. We detected Hox-1.4 transcripts at day 20, Mos at day 25, and Abl and actin at day 30, demonstrating a specific regulation of expression of each of these genes during haploid spermatid maturation in the mouse. Furthermore, comparison of Mos, Abl and actin RNA expression in mouse and rat testes revealed species-specific variations in the regulation of gene expression.
Insights
Mos proto-oncogene RNA expression occurs in mouse testes and ovaries. Gene expression timing during spermatogenesis differs, indicating specific regulatory control and species-specific variations in regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mos proto-oncogene RNA expression patterns were investigated in various sterile mouse mutants.
- Previous studies suggested Mos expression in gonads, but detailed temporal regulation during spermatogenesis was unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Mos proto-oncogene RNA expression in gonads of specific sterile mouse mutants.
- To determine the temporal expression patterns of Mos, Abl, actin, and Hox-1.4 during spermatogenesis.
- To compare Mos, Abl, and actin RNA expression between mouse and rat testes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Mos proto-oncogene RNA expression in gonads of multiple sterile mouse mutants.
- Northern blot analysis to detect and quantify RNA transcripts.
- Comparative analysis of gene expression in mouse and rat testes.
Main Results:
- Mos RNA expression was observed in haploid spermatids and oocytes.
- Expression patterns of testis-specific transcripts (Abl, actin, Hox-1.4) mirrored Mos in mutants.
- Temporal differences in transcript appearance during postnatal spermatogenesis were identified: Hox-1.4 (day 20), Mos (day 25), Abl/actin (day 30).
- Species-specific variations in Mos, Abl, and actin RNA expression were noted between mouse and rat testes.
Conclusions:
- Mos proto-oncogene is expressed in mature haploid spermatids and oocytes.
- Specific temporal regulation of Hox-1.4, Mos, Abl, and actin gene expression occurs during mouse spermatid maturation.
- Significant species-specific differences exist in the regulation of these genes between mouse and rat testes.