FOXJ2 controls meiosis during spermatogenesis in male mice

• Published in: Molecular reproduction and development Vol. 83; no. 8; pp. 684 - 691
• Main Authors: Miao, Hui, Miao, Cong-Xiu, Li, Na, Han, Jing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.08.2016; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Animals; Antigens, Differentiation - genetics; Antigens, Differentiation - metabolism; DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded; Forkhead Transcription Factors - genetics; Forkhead Transcription Factors - metabolism; Gene Deletion; Male; Meiosis - physiology; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Spermatocytes - cytology; Spermatocytes - metabolism; Spermatogenesis - physiology; Spermatogonia - cytology; Spermatogonia - metabolism
• ISSN: 1040-452X; 1098-2795
• DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22671

SUMMARY Spermatogenesis is a highly complex cell differentiation process necessary for production of haploid spermatozoa. Central to this unique process is spermatocyte meiosis. FOXJ2 (Forkhead box J2), a FOX transcription factor, is specifically expressed in meiotic spermatocytes in adult mouse testes, so we used a germ cell specific conditional knockout model (Foxj2flox/flox, Mvh‐Cre) to explore its role in spermatogenesis. Loss of FOXJ2 in the male germ line led to meiotic arrest and complete infertility. Although, DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) were initiated, Foxj2‐deficient spermatocytes failed to form chromosomal synapses and perform DSB repair. Furthermore, Foxj2‐deficient spermatocytes contained significantly less mRNA encoding DSB repair‐associated factors (Rad18, Rad51, Brca1, Brca2, and Tex15) and meiotic arrest‐related proteins (Fzr1, Hsp70‐2, Spata22, Eif4g3, and Zpac); in contrast, no change was observed in the expression of spermatogonia markers (Gfra1, Zbtb16, and c‐Kit) and germ cell markers (Dazl, Mvh, and Tra98). Taken together, FOXJ2 appears to promote meiotic progression in male mice by a mechanism that needs further investigation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 684–691, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.