Transcription Factor RFX2 Is a Key Regulator of Mouse Spermiogenesis

Yujian Wu, Xiangjing Hu, Zhen Li, Min Wang, Sisi Li, Xiuxia Wang, Xiwen Lin, Shangying Liao, Zhuqiang Zhang, Xue Feng, Si Wang, Xiuhong Cui, Yanling Wang, Fei Gao, Rex A. Hess, Chunsheng Han

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The regulatory factor X (RFX) family of transcription factors is crucial for ciliogenesis throughout evolution. In mice, Rfx1-4 are highly expressed in the testis where flagellated sperm are produced, but the functions of these factors in spermatogenesis remain unknown. Here, we report the production and characterization of the Rfx2 knockout mice. The male knockout mice were sterile due to the arrest of spermatogenesis at an early round spermatid step. The Rfx2-null round spermatids detached from the seminiferous tubules, forming large multinucleated giant cells that underwent apoptosis. In the mutants, formation of the flagellum was inhibited at its earliest stage. RNA-seq analysis identified a large number of cilia-related genes and testis-specific genes that were regulated by RFX2. Many of these genes were direct targets of RFX2, as revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR assays. These findings indicate that RFX2 is a key regulator of the post-meiotic development of mouse spermatogenic cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number20435
JournalScientific reports
Volume6
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 8 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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