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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
Polysome Profiling in Leishmania, Human Cells and Mouse Testis
Published on: April 8, 2018
Differential expression profiles of conserved Snail transcription factors in the mouse testis
D J Micati1,2, G R Hime3, E A McLaughlin4,5
1Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
Abstract:
Snail transcription factors are key regulators of cellular transitions during embryonic development and tumorigenesis. The closely related SNAI1 and SNAI2 proteins induce epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs), acting predominantly as transcriptional repressors, while the functions of SNAI3 are unknown. An initial examination of Snai2-deficient mice provided evidence of deficient spermatogenesis. To address the hypothesis that Snail proteins are important for male fertility, this study provides the first comprehensive cellular expression profiles of all three mammalian Snail genes in the post-natal mouse testis. To evaluate Snail transcript expression profiles, droplet digital (dd) PCR and in situ hybridization were employed. Snai1, 2 and 3 transcripts are readily detected at 7, 14, 28 days post-partum (dpp) and 7 weeks (adult). Unique cellular expression was demonstrated for each by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry using Western blot-validated antibodies. SNAI1 and SNAI2 are in the nucleus of the most mature germ cell types at post-natal ages 10, 15 and 26. SNAI3 is only detected from 15 dpp onwards and is localized in the Sertoli cell cytoplasm. In the adult testis, Snai1 and Snai2 transcripts are detected in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, while Snai3 is in both germ and Sertoli cells. SNAI1 protein is evident in nuclei of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, round spermatids and elongated spermatids (Stages IX-XII). SNAI2 is present in the nuclei of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, with a faint signal detected in round spermatids. SNAI3 was detected only in Sertoli cell cytoplasm, as in juvenile testes. Additionally, colocalization of SNAI1 and SNAI2 with previously identified key binding partners, LSD1 and PRC2 complex components, provides strong evidence that these important functional interactions are conserved during spermatogenesis to control gene activity. These distinct expression profiles suggest that each Snail family member has unique functions during spermatogenesis.
Insights
Snail proteins (SNAI1, SNAI2, SNAI3) have distinct roles in mouse testes, impacting male fertility. Their unique expression patterns suggest specialized functions during spermatogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Snail transcription factors regulate cellular transitions, including epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs).
- SNAI1 and SNAI2 act as transcriptional repressors, while SNAI3 function is unknown.
- Previous studies suggested Snai2 deficiency impacts spermatogenesis and male fertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that Snail proteins are crucial for male fertility.
- To comprehensively profile the cellular expression of all three mammalian Snail genes (SNAI1, SNAI2, SNAI3) in the post-natal mouse testis.
Main Methods:
- Droplet digital (dd) PCR and in situ hybridization were used to evaluate Snail transcript expression.
- Immunohistochemistry with validated antibodies and Western blot were employed for protein localization.
- Analysis covered post-natal ages from 7 days to adulthood.
Main Results:
- Snai1, Snai2, and Snai3 transcripts are present throughout post-natal development and in adult testes.
- SNAI1 and SNAI2 localize to the nucleus of mature germ cells, while SNAI3 is found in Sertoli cell cytoplasm.
- Distinct expression patterns were observed for each Snail gene in specific testicular cell types, including spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids.
Conclusions:
- Each Snail family member exhibits unique cellular expression profiles in the mouse testis.
- These distinct profiles suggest specialized and conserved functions for SNAI1, SNAI2, and SNAI3 during spermatogenesis.
- The findings support the importance of Snail proteins in male reproductive function.
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