Journal of Cell Science & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Differential Expression of Genes Involved in Early Events of Spermatogenesis in Mice

Alhad Ashok Ketkar and KVR Reddy

Spermatogenesis is a highly complex process involved in the transmission of genetic information from one generation to next generation. The process takes place in the seminiferous tubules of the testis and is regulated by genes that control cell division, cell-cell interaction and morphogenetic changes in both the somatic and germ cell lineages in a highly orchestrated pattern. The first wave of spermatogenesis in mouse is typically characterized by the differential expression of genes involved in spermatogenesis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the differential expression of genes involved in Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSCs) self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation using microarray approach in the testes of 35 vs. 5 Days Post Partum (dpp) mice. Our results demonstrate that genes involved in SSC self-renewal and proliferation were significantly down-regulated while genes involved in SSC differentiation were significantly up-regulated in the testes of 35 vs. 5 dpp mice. There was up-regulation in the expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation. Pro-apoptotic genes were found to be upregulated on the contrary anti-apoptotic genes were down-regulated in the testes of 35 vs. 5 dpp mice. Thus, our study helps in understanding the differential expression profile of genes involved in early stages of spermatogenesis in mice.