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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Androgenic regulation of beta-defensins in the mouse epididymis

Authors: Shuang-Gang Hu, Mei Zou, Guang-Xin Yao, Wu-Bin Ma, Qin-Ling Zhu, Xiang-Qi Li, Zi-Jiang Chen, Yun Sun

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

The majority of beta-defensin family members are exclusively expressed in the epididymis, and some members have been shown to play essential roles in sperm maturation and fertility in rats, mice and humans. Therefore, beta-defensins are hypothesized to be potential targets for contraception and infertility diagnosis and treatment. Clarifying the regulatory mechanisms for the expression of these genes is necessary. Androgen/androgen receptor (AR) signaling plays an important regulatory role in epididymal structure and function. However, very little is known about the androgenic regulation on the production and secretion of the epididymal beta-defensins.

Methods

The expression of beta-defensins was detected by quantitative RT-PCR. The androgen dependence of beta-defensins was determined by bilateral orchiectomy and androgen supplementation. The androgen response elements (AREs) in the promoters of beta-defensins were identified using the MatInspector software. The binding of AR to AREs was assayed by ChIP-PCR/qPCR.

Results

We demonstrated that 23 mouse caput epididymal beta-defensins were differentially regulated by androgen/androgen receptor. Six genes, Defb18, 19, 20, 39, 41, and 42, showed full regulation by androgens. Ten genes, Defb15, 30, 34, 37, 40, 45, 51, 52, 22 and Spag11a, were partially regulated by androgens. Defb15, 18, 19, 20, 30, 34, 37, 39, 41, 42, 22 and Spag11a were associated with androgen receptor binding sites in their promoter or intronic regions, indicating direct regulation of AR. Six genes, Defb1, 12, 13, 29, 35, and spag11b/c, exhibited an androgen-independent expression pattern. One gene, Defb25, was highly dependent on testicular factors rather on androgens.

Conclusions

The present study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of androgen regulation on epididymal beta-defensins, enabling a better understanding of the function of beta-defensins in sperm maturation and fertility.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Androgenic regulation of beta-defensins in the mouse epididymis
Authors
Shuang-Gang Hu
Mei Zou
Guang-Xin Yao
Wu-Bin Ma
Qin-Ling Zhu
Xiang-Qi Li
Zi-Jiang Chen
Yun Sun
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-12-76

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