CaMKIV/Gr is dispensable for spermatogenesis and CREM-regulated transcription in male germ cells
: Blaeser F, Toppari J, Heikinheimo M, Yan W, Wallace M, Ho N, Chatila TA
: 2001
: American Journal of Physiology : Endocrinology and Metabolism
: American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism
: Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab
: 281
: 5
: E931
: 7
: 0193-1849
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.2001.281.5.E931
The calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type IV/Gr (CaMKIV/Gr) is expressed in male germ cells and spermatids and has been implicated in controlling the differentiation of germ cells into mature spermatozoa. The function of CaMKIV/Gr in spermatogenesis was investigated using CaMKIV/Gr-deficient mice generated by targeted gene disruption. CaMKIV/Gr-deficient males exhibited normal spermatogenesis, and their fertility was similar to that of wild-type littermates. Notwithstanding the function of CaMKIV/Gr as an activator of cAMP response element (CRE)-dependent transcription, mRNA levels of several testis-specific CRE modulator (CREM)-regulated genes were unaltered. These results indicate that CaMKIV/Gr is not essential for spermatogenesis or for CRE-regulated gene transcription in the testis.