The mouse homolog of <i>Drosophila Vasa</i> is required for the development of male germ cells

TLDR

Mvh is expressed only in primordial germ cells after they colonize the genital ridges and persists until postmeiotic germ cells develop. Loss of Mvh in male mice abolishes sperm production, halts premeiotic germ cell development at the zygotene stage, induces apoptosis, reduces PGC proliferation and OCT‑3/4 expression, and overall impairs male germ cell proliferation and differentiation.

Abstract

Restricted expression of a mouse Vasa homolog gene ( Mvh ) expression is first detected in primordial germ cells (PGCs) after colonization of the genital ridges. Subsequently, Mvh is maintained until postmeiotic germ cells are formed. Here, we demonstrate that male mice homozygous for a targeted mutation of Mvh exhibit a reproductive deficiency. Male homozygotes produce no sperm in the testes, where premeiotic germ cells cease differentiation by the zygotene stage and undergo apoptotic death. In addition, the proliferation of PGCs that colonize homozygous male gonads is significantly hampered, and OCT-3/4 expression appears to be reduced. These results indicate that the loss of Mvh function causes a deficiency in the proliferation and differentiation of mouse male germ cells.