is not required for fertility in male mice.

BACKGROUND

Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase () is a protein kinase associated with the calmodulin-induced signaling pathway and an atypical alpha-kinase family member. -mediated phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 () can inhibit the functionality of this protein, altering protein translation. Prior work suggests to be overexpressed in breast, pancreatic, brain, and lung cancers wherein it may control key processes associated with apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle progression. The functional importance of in the testes of male mice, however, has yet to be clarified.

METHODS

A CRISPR/Cas9 approach was used to generate male -knockout mice, which were evaluated for phenotypic changes in epididymal or testicular tissues through histological and immunofluorescent staining assays. In addition, TUNEL staining was conducted to assess the apoptotic death of cells in the testis. Fertility, sperm counts, and sperm motility were further assessed.

RESULTS

Male -knockout mice were successfully generated, and exhibited normal fertility and development. No apparent differences were observed with respect to spermatogenesis, sperm counts, or germ cell apoptosis when comparing male and mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Male -knockout mice remained fertile and were free of any evident developmental or spermatogenic abnormalities, suggesting to be dispensable in the context of male fertility.