FIG 8.

Loss of Zfp628 is associated with extensive apoptosis and downregulation of key spermiogenesis genes. (A) TUNEL staining of P35 testis sections from WT, Het, and Zfp628 KO mice. Quantitative analysis of TUNEL labeling measured both the number of TUNEL-positive tubules and the number of TUNEL-positive cells per TUNEL-positive tubule. Tubules measured: WT, n = 251; Het, n = 238; KO, n = 285. Red bars indicate mean values ± SEM. Data comparisons and P values reflect two-tailed t tests. (B and C) Quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) analysis of gene expression changes of TFIID component transcripts and transcripts required for spermatogonium maintenance and spermiogenesis (B) and genes whose loss of function phenocopies the Zfp628-null round spermatid arrest (C) in P40 testes from WT, Het, and Zfp628 KO mice. (D) qPCR analysis in P171 testes of genes for spermiogenesis-associated transition proteins 1 and 2 and protamines 1 and 2.