Expression characteristics of mouse Catsper--the structural protein of sperm hyperactivation / 中华男科学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression specificity in tissues of the Catsper and its expression rules, which is a specification channels in sperm and plays an important role in sperm hyperactivation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of Catsper in eight different tissues was examined by RT-PCR and immunohischemistry, the location of Catsper in sperm determined by immunofluorescence and the expression changes of Catsper analyzed in mice of different age groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Catsper was expressed specifically in the testis and epididymis, and was mainly located in the principal piece of the sperm tail. Catsper gene expression was developmentally regulated with a direct correlation between Catsper expression and mouse sexual maturation. Catsper gene experssion was first detected at 3 weeks of age and increased significantly till 6 weeks of age and then gradually to a stationary phase.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Catsper expresses in the testis and epididymis, and its growth period and expression amount are closely related with the developmental stages of the mouse.</p>