Loss of RBFOX2 inhibits meiotic initiation in male mice.

Lin Yan; Jian Chen; Yan Ning; Chunsheng Han

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Loss of RBFOX2 inhibits meiotic initiation in male mice.

Author: Lin YAN ¹ ; Jian CHEN ² ; Yan NING ² ; Chunsheng HAN ²
Author Information

1. Institute of Material Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, Anhui, China.
2. State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: RBFOX2; meiosis; meiotic initiation; spermatogonial stem cells
MeSH: Mice; Male; Animals; Spermatogonia/metabolism*; Meiosis/genetics*; Cell Differentiation; Tretinoin/pharmacology*; Mitosis; Testis/metabolism*
From: Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2023;39(10):4108-4122
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Meiotic initiation is a critical step in gametogenesis. Recently, some genes required for meiotic initiation have been identified. However, meiosis-initiating factors and the underlying mechanisms are far from being fully understood. We have established a long-term culture system of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and an in vitro model of meiotic initiation using mouse SSCs. Our previous study revealed that the RNA-binding protein RBFOX2 may regulate meiotic initiation, but the role and the mechanism need to be further elucidated. In this study, we constructed RBFOX2 knockdown SSC lines by using lentivirus-mediated gene delivery method, and found that the knockdown SSCs underwent normal self-renewal, mitosis and differentiation. However, they were unable to initiate meiosis when treated with retinoic acid, and they underwent apoptosis. These results indicate that RBFOX2 plays an essential role in meiotic initiation of spermatogonia. This work provides new clues for understanding the functions of RNA-binding proteins in meiotic initiation.