Comparative and functional analysis of testis-specific genes

Biol Pharm Bull. 2011;34(1):28-35. doi: 10.1248/bpb.34.28.

Abstract

The testis is the special male gonad responsible for spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis with complex gene expressions. Characterizing and comparing the testis-specific genes in different species can reveal key genes related to testis specific functions and provide supplementary information for study of human testis function. We screened testis-specific genes from Unigene libraries, total 317, 449 and 147 testis-specific genes were identified for human, mouse and rat, respectively. Ten from thirteen selected human testis-specific genes were validated exclusively expressed in the testis by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Systematic bioinformatics analysis showed that specific genes were mainly related to spermatogenesis and testis development process with significant Glycolysis and Pyruvate metabolism. Enrichment functions were discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Expressed Sequence Tags
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Rats
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Testis / metabolism*