Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 13, 2025
A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model
Published on: February 6, 2018
Ionizing Radiation-Induced RPL23a Reduction Regulates Apoptosis via RPL11-MDM2-p53 Pathway in Mouse Spermatogonia
Yu Xuan He1, Yi Xiao Guo2, Yong Zhang1
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, Gansu, China.
Objective:
The expression patterns of ribosomal large subunit protein 23a (RPL23a) in mouse testes and GC-1 cells were analyzed to investigate the potential relationship between RPL23a expression and spermatogonia apoptosis upon exposure to X-ray.
Methods:
Male mice and GC-1 cells were irradiated with X-ray, terminal dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) was performed to detect apoptotic spermatogonia in vivo. Apoptotic rate and cell cycle phase of GC-1 cells were analyzed with flow cytometry. Protein interactions were detected by Immunoprecipitation and protein localization as studied by immunofluorescence. Immunoblotting and real-time PCR were applied to analyze to protein and gene expression.
Results:
Ionizing radiation (IR) increased spermatogonia apoptosis, the expression of RPL11, MDM2 and p53, and decreased RPL23a expression in mice spermatogonia in vivo and in vitro. RPL23a knockdown weakened the interaction between RPL23a and RPL11, leading to p53 accumulation. Moreover, knockdown and IR decreased RPL23a that induces spermatogonia apoptosis via RPL23a-RPL11-MDM2-p53 pathway in GC-1 cells.
Conclusion:
These results suggested that IR reduced RPL23a expression, leading to weakened the RPL23a-RPL11 interactions, which may have activated p53, resulting in spermatogonia apoptosis. These results provide insights into environmental and clinical risks of radiotherapy following exposure to IR in male fertility. The graphical abstract was available in the web of www.besjournal.com.
Insights
X-ray exposure reduces ribosomal large subunit protein 23a (RPL23a) expression, increasing spermatogonia apoptosis via the RPL23a-RPL11-MDM2-p53 pathway. This impacts male fertility and highlights radiotherapy risks.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular biology
- Radiation biology
Background:
- Spermatogonia apoptosis is a critical factor in male infertility.
- The role of ribosomal proteins in radiation-induced apoptosis is not fully understood.
- Ribosomal large subunit protein 23a (RPL23a) is implicated in cellular stress responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of RPL23a in mouse testes and GC-1 cells.
- To determine the relationship between RPL23a expression and spermatogonia apoptosis after X-ray exposure.
- To elucidate the molecular pathway involved in RPL23a-mediated apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Male mice and GC-1 cells were exposed to X-ray irradiation.
- Apoptosis was detected using terminal dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay.
- Flow cytometry analyzed apoptotic rates and cell cycle phases.
- Protein interactions, localization, expression, and gene expression were analyzed using immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and real-time PCR.
Main Results:
- Ionizing radiation (IR) increased spermatogonia apoptosis and the expression of RPL11, MDM2, and p53.
- IR decreased RPL23a expression both *in vivo* and *in vitro*.
- RPL23a knockdown weakened RPL23a-RPL11 interaction, leading to p53 accumulation and apoptosis via the RPL23a-RPL11-MDM2-p53 pathway.
Conclusions:
- IR reduces RPL23a expression, weakening RPL23a-RPL11 interactions and activating p53, which induces spermatogonia apoptosis.
- These findings provide insights into the risks of IR exposure on male fertility.
- The study highlights potential environmental and clinical risks associated with radiotherapy.
Related Concept Videos
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
01:23Negative Regulator Molecules
02:37DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway