Cloning and characterization of novel isoforms of the BOULE gene in bats.

摘要

Spermatogenesis is a complex physiological process controlled by many genes. The BOULE gene, a new member of the Deleted in Azoospermia (DAT) family (which consists of BOULE, DAZ, and DAZ-like DAZl), is regarded as the ancestor of the DAZ family and a key factor in controlling the meiosis of male germ cells, which can regulate the expression of the twine gene and promote progression through meiosis (Eberhart et al. 1996; Karashima et al. 2000; Maines and Wasserman 1999; Xu et al. 2001). Bats account for about 20% of mammals and, during evolution, have evolved many reproductive strategies, including sperm storage, delayed fertilization, delayed implantation, and delayed development (Nowak et al. 1994; Racey and Entwistle 2000).