The function of Myc family genes in self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25860210
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: General medical chemistry
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: TANAKA Takashi 京都大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (40579265)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 幹細胞 / 生殖細胞 / 精子形成 / 精子幹細胞 / Myc

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells is central in mammalian spermatogenesis. Although many genes, which are necessary for normal functions of spermatogonial stem cells, have veen identified, transcriptional regulation remained unclear. In this study, the functions of Myc family genes, the transcription factors which stimulate proliferation of stem cells in other tissues, were examined. As expected, Myc genes were found to be necessary for normal proliferation of cultured spermatogonial stem cells and for normal spermatogenesis in vivo. These results indicate that Myc overexpression may improve the proliferation of cultured spermatogonial stem cells in other animals and that ablation of Myc genes can cause male infertility.

Free Research Field

幹細胞