References
Query Results -- Details
MGI Accession ID: MGI:3814767
J Number: J:140872
Other Accession IDs:
Title: Dicer1 is required for differentiation of the mouse male germline.
Authors: Maatouk DM; Loveland KL; McManus MT; Moore K; Harfe BD
Journal: Biol Reprod
Volume: 79
Issue: 4
Date: 2008 Oct
Year: 2008
Pages: 696-703
Review Status: Peer Reviewed
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression. Hundreds of miRNAs are expressed in mammals; however, their functions are just starting to be uncovered. MicroRNAs are processed from a long hairpin mRNA transcript, down to a approximately 23-nucleotide duplex. The enzyme Dicer1 is required for miRNA processing, and mouse knockouts of Dicer1 are embryonic lethal before 7.5 days postcoitus. To examine the function of miRNAs specifically in the germline, we used a mouse model that expresses Cre recombinase from the TNAP locus and a floxed Dicer1 conditional allele. Removal of Dicer1 from germ cells resulted in male infertility. Germ cells were present in adult testes, but few tubules contained elongating spermatids. Germ cells that did differentiate to elongating spermatids exhibited abnormal morphology and motility. Rarely, sperm lacking Dicer1 could fertilize wild-type eggs to generate viable offspring. These results show that Dicer1 and miRNAs are essential for proper differentiation of the male germline.
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