Work

ETV5 Is Required for Continuous Spermatogenesis in Adult Mice and May Mediate Blood–Testes Barrier Function and Testicular Immune Privilege

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: The transcription factor Ets-variant gene 5 (ETV5) is essential for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) self-renewal, as the targeted deletion of the Etv5 gene in mice (Etv5(-/-)) results in only the first wave of spermatogenesis. Reciprocal transplants of neonatal germ cells from wild-type (WT) and Etv5(-/-) testes were performed to determine the role of ETV5 in Sertoli cells and germ cells. ETV5 appears to be needed in both cell types for normal spermatogenesis. In addition, Etv5(-/-) recipients displayed increased interstitial inflammation and tubular involution after transplantation. Preliminary studies suggest that the blood-testis barrier (Sertoli-Sertoli tight junctional complex) is abnormal in the Etv5(-/-) mouse.

Source: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1196/annals.1411.005