Work

The Caenorhabditis Gli protein TRA-1 makes a transcriptional activator that promotes spermatogenesis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The TRRAP homolog TRR-1 also acts at this point to promote spermatogenesis, so we propose that TRA-1 activator works with TRR-1 and the associated Tip60 HAT complex to turn on sperm genes. These results (1) reveal conservation between Gli activation in nematodes and humans, (2) show that Gli activation can occur without Hedgehog signaling, and (3) suggest an ancient role for Gli proteins in spermatogenesis. Finally, since a competition between TRA-1 activator and repressor helps determine germ cell fates, this regulatory flexibility might have facilitated the evolution of self-fertility.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.114108

Authors: Yongquan Shen, Shin-Yi Lin, Yiqing Guo, Jibran Imtiaz, Kana Corley, Ronald E. Ellis

Institution: Stony Brook University

Language: English

Topic: Sperm and Testicular Function

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240

Funders: American Cancer Society, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences