Analyzes of RNA-binding proteins involved in sexual differentiation of male germ cells and oogenesis in mice

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25840091
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Developmental biology
• Research Institution: National Institute of Genetics
• Principal Investigator: KATO Yuzuru 国立遺伝学研究所, 系統生物研究センター, 助教 (60570249)
• Research Collaborator: KATSUKI Takeo University of California, San Diego, Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: マウス / 生殖細胞 / 性分化 / 卵形成 / Nanos2 / Dazl

Outline of Final Research Achievements

(1) We analyzed molecular function of Nanos2, and RNA-binding protein essential for sexual differentiation of mouse male germ cells. Particularly, we focused on an antagonistic interaction between Nanos2 and Dazl, a germ cell-speicific RNA-binding protein required for meiosis. We found that Nanos2 antagonized Dazl in sexually differentiating male germ cells and that Nanos2-mediated Dazl suppression plays an important role in the promotion of sexual differentiation of male germ cells.
(2) We addressed whether gene A plays roles in mouse oogenesis. We found that gene A was post-transcriptionally repressed in developing oocytes after birth. This gene A repression occurs in a 3'UTR-dependent manner. Furthermore, removing the 3'UTR in vivo stabilized gene A protein, resulting in the reduction of litter size. These results suggest that post-transcirptional repression of gene A is required for proper litter size in mice.

Free Research Field

発生生物学