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[NEK2 gene expression in mouse cryptorchidism model and its mechanism involved in apoptosis]

W L Ge1, J N Chen1, L H Ji1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China.

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi
|December 1, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Abnormal NEK2 expression in cryptorchidism mice correlates with testicular apoptosis, suggesting a role in infertility. This study observed NEK2 mRNA and protein levels alongside cell death in a mouse model of undescended testes.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Cryptorchidism, or undescended testes, is a common congenital condition associated with male infertility.
  • The underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to testicular damage in cryptorchidism require further elucidation.
  • NEK2 (NIMA-related kinase 2) is a cell cycle-regulated kinase implicated in various cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression patterns of NEK2 mRNA and protein in a mouse model of cryptorchidism.
  • To explore the potential role of NEK2 in testicular apoptosis within this model.
  • To correlate NEK2 expression with the observed damage in seminiferous tubules.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of a mouse model for cryptorchidism.
  • Histological examination of testicular tissue using Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining.
  • Assessment of apoptosis via Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (Tunel) assay.
  • Quantification of NEK2 mRNA and protein levels using Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

Main Results:

  • HE staining revealed progressive damage to spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, and sperm cells over time in the cryptorchidism model.
  • Tunel assay indicated a biphasic pattern of apoptosis, initially increasing and then decreasing, with a significant peak observed.
  • NEK2 mRNA and protein expression levels demonstrated a temporal correlation with the observed apoptosis, increasing after modeling, peaking, and subsequently declining.

Conclusions:

  • The expression trend of NEK2 in cryptorchidism tissue mirrors the pattern of cellular apoptosis.
  • Abnormal NEK2 expression is implicated in the pathogenesis of testicular damage in cryptorchidism, potentially through the induction of apoptosis.
  • These findings suggest NEK2 as a potential factor contributing to infertility in patients with cryptorchidism.
Keywords:
ApoptosisCryptorchidismInfertilityNEK2 gene

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