The Story of SPATA2 (Spermatogenesis-Associated Protein 2): From Sertoli Cells to Pancreatic Beta-Cells

Abstract

In an attempt to isolate new spermatogenesis-associated genes, pd1 was initially identified and cloned as a novel human cDNA sequence from testis cDNA library. The novel gene was submitted to GenBank under accession n° U28164 in 1996. PD1 expression was demonstrated at the Sertoli cell level with a production which appeared to be under the influence of neighbouring spermatogenic cells. The rat orthologue of human pd1 was further cloned and, according to the Gene Nomenclature Committee, was renamed spata2 (spermatogenesis-associated protein 2) gene on the basis of its FSH-dependent up-regulation and developmental expression. The analysis of the human and rat cDNA sequences disclosed an open reading frame for a protein of 520 and 511 amino acids respectively, with an overall identity of 85%. Subsequently, a zebrafish orthologue of the human spata2 gene was identified. The consensus open reading frame (1650 bp) encodes a polypeptide of 550 amino acids, which shares 37% identity with the human spata2. By means of whole-mount in situ hybridisation it has been shown that spata2 transcripts are maternally derived and become strongly localised in the central nervous system at early developmental stages. At the same time, RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that several adult zebrafish tissues expressed high level of spata2 mRNA providing evidence that this gene may have a broader function than previously described. More recently, novel findings have highlighted a potential role of spata2 during pancreatic development and β-cell proliferation. In this review we will discuss spata2 gene expression and regulation as well as focus on novel evidence, which suggests a role for this protein in pancreatic β-cell function.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of three gonadal development stages reveals potential genes involved in gametogenesis of the fluted giant clam (Tridacna squamosa)

“…In addition to these female-related genes, our study observed significantly higher expression of TSSK4, spermatogenesis-associated protein 17 (SPAG17), SPAG8, sperm motility kinase X (SMKX) and SP17 in hermaphroditic gonads than in resting gonads, and the expression difference might be associated with the maintenance of spermatogenesis. The spermatogenesis-associated gene (SPATA), a testis-specific gene, played an important role in maintaining the physiological function of germ cells involved in the regulation of apoptosis during spermatogenesis [ 86 ]. SPATA4 has previously been confirmed to be specifically expressed in the testes of animals ranging from mammals to birds [ 87 , 88 ].…”

Cytotoxic Mechanism ofCytolethal Distending Toxinin NontyphoidalSalmonellaSerovar (SalmonellaJaviana) During Macrophage Infection

“…Earlier, it was shown that Atg3 is required for S. Typhimurium-mediated autophagy (Huett et al, 2009). The role of Spata2 is not very clear in the cell death; it is a coregulator of apoptosis and autophagy and the molecular mechanism of action of this gene is still under investigation (Maran et al, 2009). …”

Gene Expression Modification by an Autosomal Inversion Associated With Three Male Mating Morphs

“…The SPATA2L gene is a paralog of SPATA2, which is involved in spermatogenesis (Graziotto et al, 1999;Onisto et al, 2000). SPATA2L has been reported to have enriched expression in the brains of zebrafish (Danio rerio) (Moro et al, 2002;Maran et al, 2009), which makes it an interesting candidate for further analysis in the ruff, as the morphs show pronounced differences in testes volume index (Küpper et al, 2016) and relative testes size (Supplementary Figure 2). Our allelic imbalance results add to previous research that has shown allelic imbalance for another gene within the inversion, MC1R, where Satellites have reduced expression from the inversion allele in dark colored feathers, compared to Independents (Schwochow-Thalmann, 2018).…”