Phenotype Compensation in Reproductive ADAM Gene Family: A Case Study with ADAM27 Knockout Mouse.

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.