Differential gene expression of FABP and DGAT isoforms in mouse developing testis and in isolated germ cells

ORESTI, G.M.; GARCÍA-LOPÉZ, J.; AVELDAÑO, M.I.; DEL MAZO, J.

PUERTO VARAS

Congreso; LV REUNION ANUAL SOCIEDAD DE BIOLOGIA DE CHILE y XXVII REUNION ANUAL SOCIEDAD CHILENA DE CIENCIAS FISIOLOGICAS; 2012

SOCIEDAD DE BIOLOGIA DE CHILE y SOCIEDAD CHILENA DE CIENCIAS FISIOLOGICAS

Male germ cell differentiation implies an extensive remodeling of glycerophospholipids and an increasing formation of triacylglycerols. Intracellular fatty acid binding proteins (FABP) are involved in the fatty acid transport, while the diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) catalize the final step of TAG biosynthesis. We assessed by Real Time (RT)-qPCR, the mRNA levels of five FABP and two DGAT isoforms in developing testis, in isolated cells (Sertoli, spermatocytes, spermatids) and in the residual bodies released from spermatids as they become spermatozoa. With respect to the mRNA present in the testis at pre-pubertal ages, the mRNA levels of Fabp3, Fabp9, Fabp12 increased several times with sexual maturation, whereas that of Fabp5 decreased. The expression of Fabp3 and Fabp5 was confined to interstitial cells and Sertoli cells, respectively. Fabp12, and especially Fabp9 expressions were exceedingly high in germ cells, increasing in the order spermatocytes -> spermatids -> residual bodies. Fabp7 expression was low in all stages and cells. Dgat1 and Dgat2 expression also increased during posnatal development at higher rates in spermatogenic than in Sertoli cells. Dgat2 mRNA level augmented with germ cell differentiation and was highly concentrated in residual bodies.  The results underscore a well-timed, cell-specific regulation of FABP and DGAT expression as germ cell differentiation proceeds.