Developmental regulation of the bcl-2 family during spermatogenesis: Insights into the sterility of bcl-w-/- male mice

Author(s): Meehan, T; Loveland, KL; de Kretser, D; Cory, S; Print, CG;
Details: Publication Year 2001-03,Volume 8,Issue #3,Page 225-233
Journal Title: CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION
Publication Type: Journal Article
Abstract: Expression of bcl-w, a close relative of bcl-2 is essential for male fertility in mice. Although the initial wave of spermatogenesis in bcl-w-/- mice proceeds normally until 3-4 weeks of age, adults fail to produce sperm. To clarify why bcl-w is essential for adult but not juvenile spermatogenesis, we investigated the expression pattern of eight bcl-2 family members. We found that both the level and pattern of expression varied in different cell types during juvenile and adult spermatogenesis, Anti-apoptotic genes bcl-w, bcl-2 and bcl-x(L) were all expressed in spermatogonia during juvenile spermatogenesis, but only bcl-w was detected in spermatogonia of adult mice. A similar shift was evident in Sertoli cells. This developmental regulation may co-ordinate physiological germ cell apoptosis in wild type mice and account for the time of onset for pathological germ cell apoptosis in bcl-w-/- animals.
Publisher: NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP
Keywords: GERM-CELL APOPTOSIS; SERTOLI CELLS; RAT TESTIS; DEFICIENT MICE; IN-VITRO; EXPRESSION; SURVIVAL; DEATH; GONOCYTES; PROTEIN
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.cdd.4400799
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2001-03-01 12:00:00