Lead researcher
Professor Kate Loveland and Miss Diana Micati
Main finding
This study documents the cellular expression profiles of Snail proteins in the developing and adult mouse testis. The outcomes demonstrated that these transcription factors are present during major developmental switches required for normal testis development and sperm production, and indicated mechanisms by which they control spermatogenesis.
Centre
Centre for Reproductive Health
Research group
Testis Development and Germ Cell Differentiation Group
Journal and article title
Most surprising
Our data are the first to reveal the potential for direct involvement of the three Snail transcription factors in sperm production. This information guides our ongoing investigations of their functions in controlling cell-specific, developmentally regulated gene repression or activation, required for sperm production.
Future implications
Because each Snail family member is expressed at specific stages of mouse testis development, we are now a step closer to understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin normal sperm production. These outcomes align with our other work investigating how disrupted Snail expression may lead to infertility or testicular cancer.
Disease/health impact
Normal testis development and germ cell maturation
