Abstract:

Abstract:Objective To detect the expressions of Ets family transcription factors Ets1 and Ets2 in mouse testis tissue  and explore the effects of Ets1 and Ets2  on the development of mouse testis  and  self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs). Methods The mouse testis tissues were collected from specific developmental stages including postnatal days 1,5,10,15,20,25,30,35,40,50 and 70;Busulfan peritoneal injection was performed and mouse testis tissues were collected on the 0th,3rd,5th,8th,10th,18th days after injection, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of Ets1 and Ets2 in samples were analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR with β-actin as the internal control. Results The expression of Ets1 was significantly higher during the period of postnatal 1-30 d than that at postnatal  day 35 (P<0.05 or P<0.01),while its expression was decreased evidently and maintained at a stable level afterwards. The expression of Ets2 was  significantly higher during the period of postnatal 1-25 d than that at postnatal day 35 (P<0.05 or P<0.01),while it was decreased significantly and maintained at a stable level afterwards similarly. After busulfan treatment,the expression of Ets1 was declined and reached the lowest level at day 5,then was increased gradually and reached the level of day 0 after busulfan treatment and maintained steadily around day 9. Notably,the expressions of Ets1 at day 5 and day 8 were significantly higher than that of day 0 after busulfan treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No obvious changes were observed for the expression of Ets2 during 1-9 d after busulfan treatment,while it was decreased dramatically at day 10,which was significantly lower than those of day 0 and day 18 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression of Ets2 was gradually increased after day 10 and reached its normal level around day 18. Conclusion Ets1 and Ets2 may affect the early development of mouse testis,adult spermatogenesis,as well as the proliferation and differentiation of SSCs.

Key words: Ets family transcription factors;Ets1;Ets2;testis;busulfan;mice