Cloning And Expression Of A Novel Spermatogenesis-Related Gene, GON-SJTU1

Spermatogenes is a complex process of development, differentiation and apoptosis. The processes of spermatogenesis are governed by highly regulated expression of a series of genes located on both the sex chromosomes and the autosomes. It is well-known that male infertility is due to multiple genetic defects or alterations which are related to spermatogenesis. The discovery, cloning and further functional study of spermatogenesis-relating genes are of great importance to the elucidation of molecular mechanism of spermatogenesis and are physiologically and pathologically significant to the therapy of male infertility.GON-SJTU1 is cloned from rat testis by cDNA library screening and 3'-RACE. By Northern blot and Western blot analysis, we find that GON-SJTU1 mRNA and GON-SJTU1 protein are highly expressed in the testis before day 20, suggesting that GON-SJTU1 is a time-related gene and may play an important role in the early stage of spermatogenesis. After that, we examine the location of GON-SJTU1 in the testis. In situ hybridization and immunochemical analysis demonstrate that GON-SJTU1 is located in the male germ cells, implying that GON-SJTU1 is involved in biological process of spermatogenesis.