Transcriptional regulation of spermiogenesis: insights from the study of the gene encoding the acrosomal protein SP-10

摘要: Spermiogenesis is the terminal differentiation process of male germ cell during which haploid spermatids acquire unique structures such as acrosome and flagellum undergo extensive cellular reorganization. Although well described morphologically, molecular mechanisms underlying spermiogenesis are not understood. The SP-10 gene, codes for acrosomal protein SP-10, has been characterized in mice men. This single copy gene localized to syntenic regions chromosomes 9 11 mouse human, respectively. testis-specific, transcribed translated round spermatids. marker serves a useful model address questions regarding regulation spermatid-specific transcription biogenesis. paper defines temporal pattern expression reviews work done on analysis promoter. Transgenic demonstrated that either -408/+28 or -266/+28 region promoter could drive GFP reporter whereas -91/+28 lacked activity. transgene mimicked spatial patterns endogenous gene. Surprisingly, none transgenic lines showed tissues other than testis. Given complexity eukaryotic transcriptional regulation, fact short 294-bp capable conferring developmental stage- type-specific intriguing paradoxical.