The mouse homolog of Drosophila Vasa is required for the development of male germ cells

SS Tanaka, Y Toyooka, R Akasu… - Genes & …, 2000 - genesdev.cshlp.org
SS Tanaka, Y Toyooka, R Akasu, Y Katoh-Fukui, Y Nakahara, R Suzuki, M Yokoyama…
Genes & development, 2000genesdev.cshlp.org
Restricted expression of a mouse Vasa homolog gene (Mvh) expression is first detected in
primordial germ cells (PGCs) after colonization of the genital ridges. Subsequently, Mvh is
maintained until postmeiotic germ cells are formed. Here, we demonstrate that male mice
homozygous for a targeted mutation of Mvh exhibit a reproductive deficiency. Male
homozygotes produce no sperm in the testes, where premeiotic germ cells cease
differentiation by the zygotene stage and undergo apoptotic death. In addition, the …
Restricted expression of a mouse Vasa homolog gene (Mvh) expression is first detected in primordial germ cells (PGCs) after colonization of the genital ridges. Subsequently,Mvh is maintained until postmeiotic germ cells are formed. Here, we demonstrate that male mice homozygous for a targeted mutation of Mvh exhibit a reproductive deficiency. Male homozygotes produce no sperm in the testes, where premeiotic germ cells cease differentiation by the zygotene stage and undergo apoptotic death. In addition, the proliferation of PGCs that colonize homozygous male gonads is significantly hampered, and OCT-3/4 expression appears to be reduced. These results indicate that the loss ofMvh function causes a deficiency in the proliferation and differentiation of mouse male germ cells.
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