Expression of transcription factor SOX5 in human semen

Objective To study and analyze the transcript and expression pattern of SOX5 in human semen, thus to provide evidence for exploring the role of transcription factor SOX5 in the process of spermatogenesis in testis. Methods A total of 61 semen samples and 3 blood samples (as controls) collected from healthy volunteer donors at Shanghai Human Sperm Bank in September 2015 were randomly selected. Expression of SOX5 in the semen samples was detected and quantified using agarose gel electrophoresis and real time-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. Results In the human semen samples, SOX5 was found in two different transcript forms: long transcript (L-SOX5) and short transcript (S-SOX5). Moreover, the S-SOX5 was specifically expressed in human semen, not detected in the control blood samples. L-SOX5 and S-SOX5 were primarily found in seminal plasma, with low expression level in sperms. The results of RT-qPCR analysis showed obviously higher mRNA expression levels of L-SOX5 than S-SOX5 in semen (0.280±0.232 vs 0.147±0.103), however, not significantly(P=0.132). Conclusion SOX5 is expressed as different transcripts in human semen, and different transcripts may play different roles in the process of spermatogenesis in testis. Key words: Human; Semen; SOX5 transcription factor