Structural and Functional Characterization of a Testicular Long Non-coding RNA (4930463O16Rik) Identified in the Meiotic Arrest of the Mouse Topaz1–/– Testes

Spermatogenesis involves coordinated processes, including meiosis, to produce functional gametes. We previously reported Topaz1 as a germ cell-specific gene highly conserved in vertebrates. knockout males are sterile with testes that lack haploid cells because of meiotic arrest after prophase I. To better characterize –/– testes, we used RNA-sequencing analyses at two different developmental stages (P16 and P18). The absence TOPAZ1 disturbed the expression genes involved microtubule and/or cilium mobility, biological processes required for spermatogenesis. Moreover, quarter P18 dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), three them testis-specific located spermatocytes, their starting between P11 P15. suppression one them, 4939463O16Rik , did not alter fertility although sperm parameters were concentration fell. transcriptome P18- was altered molecular pathways affected included microtubule-based regulation movement protein or 4930463O16Rik produced same enrichment clusters mutant despite contrasted phenotype on male fertility. In conclusion, is essential meiosis regulate numerous lncRNAs, these studies have identified regulated lncRNA ( ) key both production motility.