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Published on: February 6, 2018
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CD2 is a surface marker for mouse and rat spermatogonial stem cells.
Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara1,2, Guiying Chen1, Hiroko Morimoto1
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
The Journal of Reproduction and Development
|March 28, 2020
Summary
CD2 is identified as a novel marker for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in mice and rats. This discovery aids in understanding SSC aging and function, overcoming previous research limitations.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Stem cell research
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are crucial for sperm production but are difficult to study due to their small numbers and lack of specific markers.
- Research into SSC aging and function has been significantly hindered by these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel surface markers for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs).
- To investigate the role of CD2 in SSC aging and function.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) were used to detect CD2 expression.
- Spermatogonial transplantation assays were performed to assess SSC function.
- Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) technology was employed to knock down CD2 expression in cultured SSCs.
Main Results:
- CD2 was found to be expressed on SSCs in mature adult mouse testes.
- Knockdown of CD2 in cultured SSCs resulted in reduced proliferation, increased apoptosis, and impaired SSC activity.
- CD2 expression was also observed on rat SSCs, indicating conservation across species.
Conclusions:
- CD2 is a novel and conserved surface marker for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in both mice and rats.
- CD2 plays a significant role in maintaining SSC proliferation, survival, and function.
- The identification of CD2 as an SSC marker opens new avenues for studying SSC biology and aging.
