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Published on: March 4, 2020
CircCamsap1 is dispensable for male fertility in mice
Shu Zhang1, Haojie Li1,2,3, Wei Jiang4
1Center of Reproduction, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China.
Background:
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of RNAs present in mammals. Among these, circCamsap1 is a well-acknowledged circRNA with significant implications, particularly in the development and progression of diverse tumors. However, the potential consequences of circCamsap1 depletion in vivo on male reproduction are yet to be thoroughly investigated.
Methods:
The presence of circCamsap1 in the mouse testes was confirmed, and gene expression analysis was performed using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. CircCamsap1 knockout mice were generated utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Phenotypic analysis of both the testes and epididymis was conducted using histological and immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, fertility and sperm motility were assessed.
Results:
Here, we successfully established a circCamsap1 knockout mouse model without affecting the expression of parental gene. Surprisingly, male mice lacking circCamsap1 (circCamsap1) exhibited normal fertility, with no discernible differences in testicular and epididymal histology, spermatogenesis, sperm counts or sperm motility compared to circCamsap1 mice. These findings suggest that circCamsap1 may not play an essential role in physiological spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, this result also underscores the complexity of circRNA function in male reproductive biology. Therefore, further research is necessary to elucidate the precise roles of other circRNAs in regulating male fertility.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) impact tumors, but circCamsap1 depletion in mice showed no effect on male fertility or sperm health. Further research is needed to understand circRNA roles in male reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are prevalent in mammals and implicated in tumor development.
- circCamsap1 is a notable circRNA, but its role in male reproduction remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo effects of circCamsap1 depletion on male reproductive function.
- To establish and analyze a circCamsap1 knockout mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Confirmed circCamsap1 presence in mouse testes via RT-qPCR.
- Generated circCamsap1 knockout mice using CRISPR/Cas9.
- Assessed testicular/epididymal histology, spermatogenesis, sperm count, and motility.
Main Results:
- Successfully created circCamsap1 knockout mice without affecting parental gene expression.
- Mice lacking circCamsap1 displayed normal fertility, sperm parameters, and reproductive organ histology.
- No significant differences were observed between knockout and wild-type mice.
Conclusions:
- circCamsap1 does not appear essential for physiological spermatogenesis in mice.
- This finding highlights the complexity of circRNA functions in male reproductive biology.
- Further investigation into other circRNAs' roles in male fertility is warranted.
