OTOGL, a gelforming mucin protein, is nonessential for male germ cell development and spermatogenesis in mice.

Zhiming Li, Yan Zhang, Xinzong Zhang, Congcong Cao, Xiaomin Luo, Yaoting Gui, Yunge Tang, Shuiqiao Yuan

Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E 2021 Jun 26

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Otogelin-like protein (encoded by Otogl) was highly structural similar to the gelforming mucin proteins. Although human OTOG mutations have been linked to deafness, the biological function of OTOGL in male germ cell development remains enigmatic. In screening 336 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), OTOGL displays the high mutant ratio (13.99 %). Then, we examined the expression of OTOGL in developing mouse testes. Otogl mRNA and protein are continually expressed in postnatal developing testes from postnatal day 0 (P0) testes to P21 testes exhibiting a decreased trend with the age growth. We thus generated a global Otogl knockout mouse (KO) model using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology; however, Otogl KO mice displayed normal development and fertility. Further histological analysis of Otogl knockout mouse testes revealed that all types of spermatogenic cells are present in Otogl KO seminiferous tubules. Together, our study suggested that OTOGL is nonessential for male germ cell development and spermatogenesis.

Citation

Zhiming Li, Yan Zhang, Xinzong Zhang, Congcong Cao, Xiaomin Luo, Yaoting Gui, Yunge Tang, Shuiqiao Yuan. OTOGL, a gelforming mucin protein, is nonessential for male germ cell development and spermatogenesis in mice. Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E. 2021 Jun 26;19(1):95