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UBE2W down-regulation promotes cell apoptosis and correlates with hypospermatogenesis

Bin Lei1, Lixia Xie2, Shoubo Zhang3

  • 1Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.

Andrologia
|November 12, 2019
PubMed

Insights

UBE2W, a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, is vital for male fertility. Its reduced expression in testes correlates with hypospermatogenesis and increased apoptosis, suggesting a role in male infertility.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (E2) mediates N-terminal ubiquitination.
  • UBE2W has been implicated in male infertility.
  • The specific role of UBE2W in hypospermatogenesis remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the biological role of UBE2W.
  • To explore the association between UBE2W expression and hypospermatogenesis.
  • To understand UBE2W's potential contribution to male infertility.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative analysis of UBE2W expression in mouse testes at different developmental stages.
  • Assessment of UBE2W expression in testes exhibiting hypospermatogenesis.
  • Experimental down-regulation of UBE2W in spermatogenic cells.
  • Evaluation of apoptosis rates and related signaling pathways (P53/Bcl-2/caspase 6/caspase 9).

Main Results:

  • UBE2W expression levels increased with age in normal mouse testes.
  • Significantly decreased UBE2W expression was observed in testes with hypospermatogenesis.
  • Down-regulation of UBE2W led to increased apoptosis in spermatogenic cells.
  • Activation of P53/Bcl-2/caspase 6/caspase 9 pathways was noted upon UBE2W reduction.

Conclusions:

  • UBE2W down-regulation promotes spermatogenic cell apoptosis.
  • Reduced UBE2W expression is associated with hypospermatogenesis.
  • UBE2W may serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosing male infertility.
Keywords:
UBE2Wbiomarkerhypospermatogenesismale infertilityspermatogenesis

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