Boule基因在精子发生过程中的作用

精子发生是一个复杂的细胞分化过程,生精细胞经过有丝分裂和减数分裂产生单倍型的精细胞,精细胞再经过复杂的形态变化而形成成熟的精子。这一过程需要众多基因表达的精确调控。目前已发现了一些与男性不育相关的候选基因,这些候选基因中的DAZ(Deleted in azoospermia)基因家族在精子发生过程中发挥关键性的调控作用。Boule基因是2001年发现的DAZ家族的新成员,是人类精子发生过程中重要的调控因子。Boule表达的改变或BOULE蛋白的缺乏可引起减数分裂阻滞和精子生成障碍,从而导致无精子症并产生不育。

Role of Boule Gene in the Process of Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is a complex cell differentiation process,in which spermatogenic cell produce haplotype spermatid through mitosis and meiosis,and then transform to sperm through complicate morphologic change.This process requires precise regulation of expression of many genes.Recently some candidate genes associated with male sterility have been identified.For example,DAZ gene family plays an essential role during the process of spermatogenesis.Boule gene,a new member of DAZ family,is found in 2001,and is the key regulation factor in the process of human spermatogenesis.The expression change of Boule gene or the absence of BOULE protein results in spermatogenic failure,leading to azoospermia and male infertility.