Molecular basis for maintenance of spermatogenic stem cells in themammalian testis

Research Project

Project/Area Number	23770245
Research Category	Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
Allocation Type	Multi-year Fund
Research Field	Developmental biology
Research Institution	Kyoto University
Principal Investigator	NAKAGAWA Toshinori 京都大学, 医学研究科, 研究員 (50456894)
Project Period (FY)	2011 – 2012
Project Status	Completed (Fiscal Year 2012)
Budget Amount *help	¥4,550,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,500,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,050,000) Fiscal Year 2012: ¥2,080,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,600,000、Indirect Cost: ¥480,000) Fiscal Year 2011: ¥2,470,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,900,000、Indirect Cost: ¥570,000)
Keywords	幹細胞 / 生殖細胞 / 精子
Research Abstract	Spermatogenic stem cells ensure continuous spermatogenesis in the mammalian testis. However, mechanisms to regulate stemness of spermatogenic stem cells remain largely unknown. In this study, I developed a method for isolation of a small population containing spermatogenic stem cells and screened for genes that are specifically expressed in the stem cells. Some genes exhibited highly specific expression in stem cell fraction. To elucidate roles of these genes under a physiological condition of spermatogenesis, floxed mice of these genes have been generated. Now I am investigating their functions using the conditional knockout mice. Elucidation of functions of these genes will lead to a detailed understanding of molecular basis for maintenance of spermatogenic stem cells in mammalian.

Report

(3 results)