OBJECTIVETo establish a transgenic mouse model systemically expressing the CMTM2 gene and study the effect of the CMTM2 expression on the reproductive system of mice in vivo.

METHODSTransgenic mice were generated by microinjection of pRevTRE-CMTM2 and the genotype was detected by PCR. The expression of CMTM2 was determined by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry, and the serum testosterone level was measured by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTSThe CMTM2 gene was highly expressed in the testis of the transgenic mouse models and in their offspring as well. The level of serum testosterone was significantly increased in the transgenic models as compared with the wild-type mice ([46.04 +/- 3.72] vs [42.43 +/- 3.80] nmol/L, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe transgenic mouse model was established successfully, which could highly express the CMTM2 gene. It is indicated that CMTM2 may influence steroidogenesis and testosterone secretion in transgenic mice.