In situ localization of mRNAs coding for mouse testicular structural genes

• Published in: Experimental cell research Vol. 173; no. 1; pp. 274 - 281
• Main Authors: Hecht, Norman B., Penshow, Jennifer D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.11.1987
• Subjects: 550201 - Biochemistry- Tracer Techniques; ACTIN; Actins - genetics; Animals; BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES; BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES; BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES; BIOCHEMISTRY; BODY; Cell Compartmentation; CELL DIFFERENTIATION; CHEMISTRY; CYTOCHEMISTRY; DAYS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES; DNA HYBRIDIZATION; DNA-Binding Proteins - genetics; GENES; GONADS; HYBRIDIZATION; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; ISOTOPES; LIGHT NUCLEI; Male; MALE GENITALS; MESSENGER-RNA; Mice; Microtubule-Associated Proteins; Nuclear Proteins - genetics; NUCLEI; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; NUCLEIC ACIDS; ODD-ODD NUCLEI; ORGANIC COMPOUNDS; ORGANS; PHOSPHORUS 32; PHOSPHORUS ISOTOPES; Protamines - genetics; PROTEINS; RADIOISOTOPES; RNA; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Spermatogenesis; t-Complex Genome Region; TESTES; Testis - metabolism; Testis - ultrastructure; TRANSCRIPTION; Tubulin - genetics
• ISSN: 0014-4827; 1090-2422
• DOI: 10.1016/0014-4827(87)90353-3

In situ hybridization histochemistry has been used to localize mRNA transcripts of five nuclear and cytoplasmic structural genes in the mouse testis. The mRNAs for three nuclear structural proteins involved in chromatin transformation during spermatogenesis (the two protamine variants of the mouse and one of the testis-specific proteins) are restricted solely to postmeiotic germ cells. In contrast, mRNAs for two other structural proteins, actin and α tubulin, are detected throughout spermatogenesis. Although present in premeiotic, meiotic, and postmeiotic cell types, the mRNA levels of actin and α tubulin differ considerably during spermiogenesis, the haploid phase of spermatogenesis. Actin mRNA levels decrease markedly as the male gamete differentiates during spermiogenesis whereas α-tubulin mRNAs are equally abundant in the haploid round and elongating spermatids.