MZF6D, a novel KRAB zinc-finger gene expressed exclusively in meiotic male germ cells

DNA Cell Biol. 2003 Aug;22(8):489-96. doi: 10.1089/10445490360708892.

Abstract

Spermatogenesis takes place in the seminiferous tubule in the testes and culminates in the production of spermatozoa (male gametes). Here we report the identification of a novel mouse zinc-finger gene, MZF6D, which is selectively expressed in meiotic spermatocytes. The MZF6D protein contains an N-terminally located repressor domain, a KRAB domain, followed by at least seven successive Krüppel zinc-finger motifs. The KRAB domain of MZF6D, which consists of a KRAB A box and the newly identified KRAB C box, has previously been shown to interact with TIF1beta, which is the common corepressor of all KRAB zinc-finger proteins. Northern blot analysis shows that the expression of MZF6D is restricted to testes. This was confirmed by RT-PCR analysis of a panel of mouse tissues. In situ hybridization of sections from adult mouse testes localizes the expression to meiotic spermatocytes, suggesting a specific role for MZF6D in the regulation of spermatogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA, Complementary
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meiosis
  • Mice
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Rats
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Spermatocytes / metabolism*
  • Spermatogenesis
  • Testis / metabolism
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • DNA, Complementary
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins
  • ZNF350 protein, human
  • Zfp640 protein, mouse