The role of retinoic acid in the commitment to meiosis.

Author: Rachel L GEWISS ¹ ; M Christine SCHLEIF ¹ ; Michael D GRISWOLD ¹
Author Information

1. School of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
Publication Type:Review
Keywords: meiosis; retinoic acid; spermatogenesis; testis
MeSH: Animals; Cell Differentiation/genetics*; Humans; Meiosis/drug effects*; Spermatogenesis/physiology*; Tretinoin/metabolism*
From: Asian Journal of Andrology 2021;23(6):549-554
CountryChina
Language:English
Abstract: Male meiosis is a complex process whereby spermatocytes undergo cell division to form haploid cells. This review focuses on the role of retinoic acid (RA) in meiosis, as well as several processes regulated by RA before cell entry into meiosis that are critical for proper meiotic entry and completion. Here, we discuss RA metabolism in the testis as well as the roles of stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) and MEIOSIN, which are responsive to RA and are critical for meiosis. We assert that transcriptional regulation in the spermatogonia is critical for successful meiosis.