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LncRNA4667 is dispensable for spermatogenesis and fertility in mice
Yu-Bing Dai1, Yu Lin2, Ning Song3, Fei Sun4
1 Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China
2 Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
3 Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
4 Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong; Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
Correspondence Address:
Fei Sun
Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001
China
Ning Song
Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 228 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200030
China
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | 6 |
DOI: 10.4103/2096-2924.255985
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Objective: Spermatogenesis is a complex process which is of vital importance for sexual reproduction. In many studies of spermatogenesis, the mRNAs, protein-coding genes, as well as small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been well characterized. However, there remain numerous questions despite previously characterized molecular mechanisms. Long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) are a relatively new addition to our knowledge of ncRNAs. Limited studies have examined the function of lncRNAs in spermatogenesis. Therefore, we selected a testis-specific lncRNA, lncRNA4667, to analyze its potential role in spermatogenesis and male fertility.
Methods: In situ hybridization and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses were used to confirm testis-specific expression of lncRNA4667. LncRNA4667 knockout mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Histology, sperm counts, sperm motility, body parameters, and fertility were compared between wild-type and knockout mice (n = 8/group).
Results: Expression analysis showed that lncRNA4667 was testis specific and localized to round spermatids in seminiferous tubules of adult mouse testes. Mice homozygous for a null mutation of lncRNA4667 displayed normal spermatogenesis and fertility compared with wild-type mice.
Conclusions: These data indicate that lncRNA4667 is dispensable for spermatogenesis and fertility in mice, and the localization of lncRNA4667 makes it a useful marker for the identification of round spermatids in mice.
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