Tex 19 paralogs exhibit a gonad and placenta-specific expression in the mouse

J Reprod Dev. 2012;58(3):360-5. doi: 10.1262/jrd.11-047k. Epub 2012 Mar 9.

Abstract

We have previously suggested that TEX19, a mammalian-specific protein of which two paralogs exist in rodents, could be implicated in stem cell self-renewal and pluripotency. We have established here the expression profiles of Tex19.1 and Tex19.2 during mouse development and adulthood. We show that both genes are coexpressed in the ectoderm and then in primordial germ cells (PGCs). They are also coexpressed in the testis from embryonic day 13.5 to adulthood, whereas only Tex19.1 transcripts are detected in the developing and adult ovary as well as in the placenta and its precursor tissue, the ectoplacental cone. The presence of both Tex19.1 and Tex19.2 in PGCs, gonocytes and spermatocytes opens the possibility that these two genes could play redundant functions in male germ cells. Furthermore, the placental expression of Tex19.1 can explain why Tex19.1 knockout mice show embryonic lethality, in addition to testis defects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Germ Cells / cytology
  • Gonads / metabolism*
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Nuclear Proteins / physiology
  • Ovary / metabolism
  • Placenta / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Spermatocytes / cytology
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Testis / metabolism
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Nuclear Proteins
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Tex19 protein, mouse