Disruption of ubiquitin specific protease 26 gene causes male subfertility associated with spermatogenesis defects in mice†.

ABSTRACT: Ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) is an X-linked gene exclusively expressed in the testis and codes for the USP26, a peptidase enzyme that belongs to the deubiquitinating enzyme family. Recent studies have indicated that mutations in USP26 affect spermatogenesis and are associated with male infertility in humans and mice. However, the exact role of USP26 in spermatogenesis and how it affects male reproduction remains unknown. In this study, we generated a conventional Usp26 knockout mouse model and found that deletion of Usp26 in male mice (Usp26-/Y) leads to significantly reduced pup numbers per litter and significantly increased intervals between two consecutive offspring. We also found that the serum follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone levels of adult Usp26-/Y mice were s

SUBMITTER: Tian H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6698735 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature