Expression of serpinb6 serpins in germ and somatic cells of mouse gonads

Mol Reprod Dev. 2006 Jan;73(1):9-19. doi: 10.1002/mrd.20385.

Abstract

The serpin superfamily of serine protease inhibitors is implicated in the regulation of numerous physiological processes. In mice, Spi3/Serpinb6 has a broad tissue distribution. We have investigated the expression of Serpinb6 family members in embryonic and adult gonads. In male and female mice, Spi3/Serpinb6 and NK13/Serpinb6b were expressed in developing gonads and in both somatic and germ cells of adult gonads. By contrast, gonadal expression of Spi3C/Serpinb6c was sexually dimorphic and restricted to male germ cells and female somatic cells. These observations raise the question of the possible role(s) of the Serpinb6 family members in gonad development, gametogenesis, and/or fertilization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Homeodomain Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • Oocytes / metabolism*
  • Ovalbumin / biosynthesis*
  • Ovalbumin / genetics*
  • Ovary / cytology
  • Ovary / embryology
  • Ovary / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / genetics
  • Serpins / biosynthesis*
  • Serpins / genetics*
  • Spermatozoa / metabolism*
  • Steroidogenic Factor 1
  • Testis / cytology
  • Testis / embryology
  • Testis / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / biosynthesis
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Serpins
  • Steroidogenic Factor 1
  • Transcription Factors
  • serpin B6
  • Ovalbumin