Clin Exp Reprod Med.  2012 Jun;39(2):41-45. 10.5653/cerm.2012.39.2.41.

Etv5, a transcription factor with versatile functions in male reproduction

• Eo J
• Song H
• Lim HJ

• KMID: 1743689
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2012.39.2.41

Abstract

Transcription factors govern diverse aspects of cell growth and differentiation as major switches of gene expression. Etv5, a member of the E26 transformation-specific family of transcription factors, has many stories to share when it comes to reproduction. Etv5 deficient mice show complex infertility phenotypes both in males and females. In males, the infertility phenotype exhibited by Etv5 deficiency is sexually dimorphic, and it involves both somatic cells and germ cells. In Etv5-/- female mice, the problem is more complicated by hormonal involvement. This review synthesizes old and new information on this versatile transcription factor-from the inadvertent discovery of its role in the testes to its newly discovered role in maintaining spermatogonial stem cells.

Keyword

Etv5; ETS transcription factor; Testis

MeSH Terms

Animals
Female
Gene Expression
Germ Cells
Humans
Infertility
Male
Mice
Phenotype
Reproduction
Stem Cells
Testis
Transcription Factors
Transcription Factors