Nanos2 in the male reproductive system: Progress in studies.
- Author:
Zhen-Yu HUANG
1
;
Xian-Sheng ZHANG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
messenger ribonucleoprotein;
primordial germ cell;
sex differentiation;
spermatogonial stem cell;
Nanos2
- MeSH:
Animals;
Cell Differentiation;
Gene Knockout Techniques;
Male;
Meiosis;
Mice;
RNA;
metabolism;
RNA-Binding Proteins;
genetics;
metabolism;
Spermatogenesis;
physiology;
Spermatogonia;
Spermatozoa;
Testis;
cytology
- From:
National Journal of Andrology
2018;24(6):558-561
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Nanos2, a member of the Nanos2 gene family, is a specific gene in male germ cells and encodes an evolutionarily conserved RNA binding protein expressed in male primordial germ cells (PGCs) during the embryonic period as well as in the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) of the testis. In the embryonic period, Nanos2 promotes the development of male PGCs and inhibits them from meiosis. In the process of spermatogenesis, Nanos2 suppresses the differentiation of SSCs in the testis and maintains the stability of the SSC pool. The knockout of Nanos2 may cause the disappearance of germ cells and sterility in male mice while its overexpression in the testis may lead to accumulation of SSCs in seminiferous tubules. Besides, Nanos2 is involved in the degradation of specific RNAs and possibly associated with some diseases of the male reproductive system. This review focuses on the recent progress in the studies of Nanos2 in the male reproductive system.
