The dynamics of gene expression during and post meiosis sets the sperm agenda. Issue 12 (7th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pandey, Aastha; Yadav, Santosh Kumar; Vishvkarma, Rahul; Singh, Bineta; Maikhuri, Jagdamba P.; Rajender, Singh; Gupta, Gopal
• Is Part Of: Molecular reproduction and development. Volume 86:Issue 12(2019)
• Page Start: 1921
• Page End: 1939
• Publication Date: 2019-10-07
• Subjects: gene expression -- primary spermatocytes -- round spermatids -- sperm -- spermatogenesis; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Molecular genetics -- Periodicals; Embryology -- Periodicals; 571.8
• DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23278
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-452X

Abstract

Abstract: Meiosis is the defining event of spermatogenesis. Spermatocytes undergo meiosis to give rise to round spermatids, which in turn metamorphose to flagellated spermatozoa that mature in the epididymis. To characterize the dynamics of gene expression during these important stages of spermatogenesis, we undertook transcriptome analysis in >90% pure pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, and pure mature sperm of rat by massive parallel deep sequencing. The study has identified 10, 719 total transcripts expressed in meiotic and postmeiotic cells, out of which 7, 641 were present in all the three cell types. Most abundant transcripts were related to gametogenesis in spermatocytes and spermatids, and mitochondrial energy metabolism in sperm. Importantly, 108 transcripts were specific to spermatocytes, including Cpeb2, Dpf3, H2afy, Haus7, Plcb1, Taf9, and Tdrd7 strongly linked with meiosis. Similarly, 323 transcripts unique to round spermatids included Arpc5, Apoa1, Cntrob, Dcaf17, Ift88, and Ly6k that play essential roles in spermiogenesis. Likewise, 178 transcripts unique to sperm included Camta1, Hoxb1, and Prdx6 having assigned roles in fertility and/or embryonic development. Levels of ~16% transcripts declined from spermatocytes to sperm while two ( Cd300e and Ddx17 ) increased. New candidate genes with possible roles in meiosis (91), spermiogenesis (298), and sperm function (171), have been identified. This study has provided new potential targets for contraception and/or treatment of male infertility. (CDRI communication number 9889). Abstract : Rat germ cells undergoing meiotic transformation of genome were purified at three stages (spermatocyte, spermatid, and sperm) to investigate their sequential change in gene expression. Parallel deep sequencing of RNA revealed a major shift from differentiation/gametogenesis in spermatocytes/spermatids to mitochondrial oxidative energy metabolism in sperm. Several transcripts unique to these cell types revealed their involvement in meiosis, spermiogenesis, and fertilization/embryogenesis while many others present novel targets for investigation of their role in male infertility characterized by stage‐specific arrest of spermatogenesis.