Investigating the role of a testis-expressed gene Tex2 in spermatogenesis in mice

Abstract

Background Although TEX2 is primarily expressed in the testes of mammals, its exact role in reproduction remains unclear. This study aims to explore whether TEX2 plays a role in determining fertility in mice. Methods To address this issue, a mouse model with Tex2 knockout was created through CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Various experiments, including qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, CASA, and H&E staining, were conducted to evaluate the role of TEX2 on mouse spermatogenesis. Results Although a percentage of spermatozoa exhibited defects in morphology and motility following Tex2 knockout, these abnormalities had no significant impact on the fertility of male mice. Additionally, the knockout did not significantly influence ovarian development or oogenesis in female mice. Conclusions In summary, despite the deletion of Tex2 having a minor impact on spermatogenesis in mice, it did not significantly affect their overall fertility. It is possible that alternative mechanisms might compensate for the absence of Tex2, or that Tex2 has a dispensable role in the reproductive process. This discovery offers a fresh outlook on the genetic regulatory mechanisms involved in the reproductive process, potentially catalyzing further investigations in related fields.