Two Y genes can replace the entire Y chromosome for assisted reproduction in the mouse

Science. 2014 Jan 3;343(6166):69-72. doi: 10.1126/science.1242544. Epub 2013 Nov 21.

Abstract

The Y chromosome is thought to be important for male reproduction. We have previously shown that, with the use of assisted reproduction, live offspring can be obtained from mice lacking the entire Y chromosome long arm. Here, we demonstrate that live mouse progeny can also be generated by using germ cells from males with the Y chromosome contribution limited to only two genes, the testis determinant factor Sry and the spermatogonial proliferation factor Eif2s3y. Sry is believed to function primarily in sex determination during fetal life. Eif2s3y may be the only Y chromosome gene required to drive mouse spermatogenesis, allowing formation of haploid germ cells that are functional in assisted reproduction. Our findings are relevant, but not directly translatable, to human male infertility cases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2 / genetics
  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2 / physiology*
  • Female
  • Haploidy
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male / genetics
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Reproduction / genetics
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted*
  • Sex Determination Processes / genetics*
  • Sex-Determining Region Y Protein / genetics
  • Sex-Determining Region Y Protein / physiology*
  • Spermatids / transplantation
  • Spermatogenesis / genetics
  • Testis / cytology
  • Testis / metabolism
  • Y Chromosome / genetics*
  • Zygote / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2
  • Sex-Determining Region Y Protein
  • Sry protein, mouse