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Increase of germ cell nuclear factor expression in globozoospermic Gopc-/- knockout mice
M Bizkarguenaga1, L Gomez-Santos1, J F Madrid2
1Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.
Andrology
|February 21, 2019
Summary
Golgi-associated protein (GOPC) deficiency in mice alters germ cell nuclear factor (GCNF) expression, particularly in the nucleus and manchette during spermatid elongation, impacting male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
Background:
- Golgi-associated PDZ and coiled-coil motif-containing protein (GOPC) is crucial for protein trafficking.
- GOPC deficiency in mice leads to globozoospermia and infertility.
- Germ cell nuclear factor (GCNF) is a nuclear receptor expressed in male germ cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and expression of GCNF in spermatids of GOPC-deficient mice.
- To determine if GCNF expression is altered in mice lacking GOPC.
Main Methods:
- RT-qPCR
- Western blot
- Immunohistochemistry
- Immunogold electron microscopy
Main Results:
- GCNF is localized in the nucleus, acrosome, and manchette of spermatids.
- GOPC deficiency results in increased GCNF expression in spermatocyte nuclei (leptotene stage).
- GOPC deficiency leads to elevated GCNF in the nucleus and manchette during spermatid elongation.
Conclusions:
- GOPC is involved in regulating GCNF expression during male germ cell development.
- Defective protein transport in GOPC-null mice may cause GCNF accumulation.
- Altered GCNF expression and localization contribute to the infertility observed in GOPC-deficient mice.
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