Author/Authors :
Khezri, Jafar Department of Animal Biotechnology - Faculty of Agriculture Biotechnology - National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology - Tehran, Iran , Hasheni, Ehsan Department of Animal Biotechnology - Faculty of Agriculture Biotechnology - National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology - Tehran, Iran , Shams Ara, Mehdi Department of Animal Biotechnology - Faculty of Agriculture Biotechnology - National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology - Tehran, Iran , Rahim Tayefe, Aidin Department of Animal Biotechnology - Faculty of Agriculture Biotechnology - National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology - Tehran, Iran , Heidari, Farid Department of Animal Biotechnology - Faculty of Agriculture Biotechnology - National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology - Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Background: A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) cell surface proteins are expressed in different cells and are involved in biological processes such as cell-cell interactions, cell differentiation, sperm attachment and fertilization. A significant number of ADAM isoforms are expressed in the reproductive tracts of male mice and other mammals, which shows the importance of this gene family in reproduction.
Objectives: The role of ADAM27 protein in reproduction was investigated.
Materials and Methods: ADAM27 knock-out mutant mice were generated using the blastocyst microinjection technique. The knock-out mice were analyzed genetically and phenotypically to discover any abnormalities.
Results: The results of this study revealed that the homozygote mutant male mice were fertile and showed no significant differences compared to wild-type male mice. A histological exam, sperm analysis and in-vitro fertilization experiments showed no statistical differences.
Conclusions: We can conclude that the role of deficient ADAM27 protein is probably compensated mainly by other ADAM isoforms which are expressed in the reproductive system.
