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Embryonic lethality and defective male germ cell development in mice lacking UTF1
Seth D Kasowitz1, Mengcheng Luo1, Jun Ma1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
Scientific Reports
|December 10, 2017
Summary
Undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (Utf1) is crucial for early embryonic development and male germ cell formation. Genetic studies reveal Utf1
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Genetics
- Reproductive biology
Background:
- The germ cell lineage originates early in embryogenesis, requiring intricate developmental processes to produce gametes.
- Undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (Utf1) is known to regulate embryonic stem cell differentiation and is expressed in pluripotent stem cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Utf1 in mouse germ cell development.
- To understand Utf1's function in the context of chromatin-associated proteins in embryonic testes.
Main Methods:
- Genetic studies involving ubiquitous and germline-specific deletion of Utf1 in mice.
- Proteomics screen to identify Utf1-associated chromatin proteins.
- Analysis of gonocyte numbers, spermatogenesis, and sperm count in Utf1 mutant mice.
Main Results:
- Utf1 is expressed in embryonic and newborn gonocytes and early spermatogonia.
- Ubiquitous Utf1 inactivation leads to embryonic lethality.
- Germline-specific Utf1 deletion results in reduced gonocytes, defective spermatogenesis, and lower sperm counts in young adult males, with partial recovery in older animals.
Conclusions:
- Utf1 is essential for embryonic development.
- Utf1 plays a critical regulatory role in male germ cell development, impacting gonocyte survival and spermatogenesis.
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