The genes coding for the MYST family histone acetyltransferases, Tip60 and Mof, are expressed at high levels during sperm development.

Co-activators of transcription with histone acetyltransferase activity have essential functions in a wide range of cellular and developmental processes. We investigated the expression of the genes coding for two closely related MYST family histone acetyltransferases, Tip60 and Mof, in mouse development and adult organs. The Tip60 and the Mof genes are both very highly expressed in the testes compared to other organs. High-level Tip60 gene expression is restricted to late pachytene and diplotene stages of sperm development. Likewise, the Mof gene is expressed at high levels in late pachytene and diplotene spermatocytes, but in contrast to Tip60, Mof is also expressed at high levels in round spermatids. Expression of both Mof and Tip60 was comparatively low in spermatogonia in adult testes. However Mof, but not Tip60 mRNA, was readily detected in germ cells during embryonic development.