SPATS1 (spermatogenesis-associated, serine-rich 1) is not essential for spermatogenesis and fertility in mouse

Abstract

SPATS1 (spermatogenesis-associated, serine-rich 1) is an evolutionarily conserved, testis-specific protein that is differentially expressed during rat male meiotic prophase. Some reports have suggested a link between SPATS1 underexpression/mutation and human pathologies such as male infertility and testicular cancer. Given the absence of functional studies, we generated a Spats1 loss-of-function mouse model using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The phenotypic analysis showed no overt phenotype in Spats1-/- mice, with both males and females being fertile. Flow cytometry and histological analyses did not show differences in the testicular content and histology between WT and knockout mice. Moreover, no significant differences in sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, were observed between WT and KO mice. These results were obtained both for young adults and for aged animals. Besides, although an involvement of SPATS1 in the Wnt signaling pathway has been suggested, we did not detect changes in the expression levels of typical Wnt pathway-target genes in mutant individuals. Thus, albeit Spats1 alteration might be a risk factor for male testicular health, we hereby show that this gene is not individually essential for male fertility and spermatogenesis in mouse.

Expression and Characterization of the Spats1 Gene and Its Response to E2/MT Treatment in the Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)

“…In rats, Spats1 attains maximum levels during meiosis of the first spermatogenic wave, mostly in pachytene spermatocytes, whereas the signal was weaker in spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, and myoid cells [ 20 ]. Despite the fact that Spats1 is a testis-specific protein, the Spats1 loss-of-function mouse model analysis revealed that knockdown of Spats1 did not affect fertility in either males or females [ 36 ]. The testis-specific expression of Spats1 and the expression pattern in different germ cells imply that Spats1 may be closely associated with testicular differentiation and male germ cell differentiation in P. sinensis .…”

lncRNA 1700101O22Rik and NONMMUG030480.1 Are Not Essential for Spermatogenesis in Mice

“…Recently, Kastor and Polluks polypeptides encoded by lncRNAs were inserted in the outer mitochondrial membrane and directly interacted with voltage-dependent anion channel to regulate spermatogenesis [ 19 ]. Nevertheless, research has shown that single deletion of lncRNAs might have no significant effect on male fertility, suggesting the function of many lncRNAs in spermatogenesis may be redundant or fine-tuning [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Hence, more studies are needed to identify and uncover specific lncRNAs working on spermatogenesis.…”