Microarray-based analysis of the gene expression profile in GC-1 spg cells transfected with spermatogenesis associated gene 12.

The unique differentiation mechanisms of spermatogenesis suggest the existence of cell type- and stage-specific molecules. Herein, a microarray-based approach was used to identify changes in the gene expression profile in mouse GC-1 spg germ cells transfected with spermatogenesis associated gene 12 (SPATA12). One hundred and eighty-two upregulated genes and 104 downregulated genes with fold changes of ≥2 or ≤0.5 (P≤0.05) in expression were identified. Ten genes were selected for validation of the microarray results using quantitative RT-PCR. The real-time quantitative RT-PCR results were consistent with that of the microarray. The gene ontology (GO) terms for the biological functions of the differentially expressed genes induced by SPATA12 included binding activity and immune response. Biological pathway analysis identified several related pathways which are associated with immune responses, cell adhesion and the developmental process. In addition, we observed that SPATA12 may interact with the β-catenin signaling pathway and that SPATA12 may negatively regulate β-catenin signaling during spermatogenesis.