期刊
FLY
卷 17, 期 1, 页码 -出版社
TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC
DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2023.2234795
关键词
germline; male fertility; spermatogenesis; spermatocyte; spermatid; VCP; individualization; Gal4/UAS
Valosin-containing protein (VCP) is a versatile and ubiquitously expressed AAA+ ATPase that regulates multiple stages of Drosophila spermatogenesis. A germline-specific Gal4 driver, Rbp4-Gal4, was discovered to activate transgene expression in the early spermatocyte stage, allowing the analysis of VCP in post-meiotic stages. Knocking down VCP using Rbp4-Gal4 resulted in defects in spermatid chromatin condensation and individualization, specifically targeting the histone-to-protamine transition.
Valosin-containing protein (VCP) is a versatile and ubiquitously expressed AAA+ ATPase that regulates multiple stages of Drosophila spermatogenesis. While VCP has documented roles in mitotic spermatogonia and meiotic spermatocytes, it is also highly expressed in post-meiotic spermatids, suggesting potential late-stage developmental functions as well. However, tools to assess late-stage activities of pleiotropic spermatogenesis genes such as VCP are lacking. Available germline-specific Gal4 drivers activate in stem cells or spermatogonia; consequently, knocking down VCP using one of these drivers disrupts or blocks early germ-cell development, precluding analysis of VCP in later stages. A Gal4 driver that activates later in development, such as at the meiotic spermatocyte stage, may permit functional analyses of VCP and other factors in post-meiotic stages. Here, we describe a germline-specific Gal4 driver, Rbp4-Gal4, which drives transgene expression beginning in the early spermatocyte stage. We find that Rbp4-Gal4-driven knockdown of VCP causes defects in spermatid chromatin condensation and individualization without affecting earlier developmental stages. Interestingly, the defect in chromatin condensation appears linked to errors in the histone-to-protamine transition, a key event in spermatid development. Overall, our study reveals roles for VCP in spermatid development and establishes a powerful tool to dissect the functions of pleiotropic spermatogenesis genes.
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