Expression analysis of a testis-specific gene, TSF22, in mice

Objective To identify genes involved in spermatogenesis. Methods Testes cDNA samples from Balb/C mice of different postnatal days were performed with mouse whole genome Affymetrix chip analysis to screen the testis- specific genes. The expression profile of the selected gene was also identified by RT-PCR. The characteristics of the selected gene were analyzed by various bioinformatic tools. Results By analysing the hybridization signals, a gene TSF22 with a differential expression in the developmental stages of testis was identified. The full length cDNA of 1597 bp contained an open reading frame of 570 bp which encoded a putative protein of 190 amino acids, this gene was named TSF22. RT-PCR analysis revealed that TSF22 mRNA was exclusively expressed in mice testis. Conclusion TSF22 functions may be as a testis-specific transcription factor that plays important roles during spermatogenesis.