Emi2 Is Essential for Mouse Spermatogenesis
2017
Summary The meiotic functions of Emi2, an inhibitor of the APC/C complex, have been best characterized in oocytes where it mediates metaphase II arrest as a component of the cytostatic factor. We generated knockout mice to determine the in vivo functions of Emi2—in particular, its functions in the testis, where Emi2 is expressed at high levels. Male and female Emi2 knockout mice are viable but sterile, indicating that Emi2 is essential for
meiosisbut dispensable for embryonic development and mitotic cell divisions. We found that, besides regulating cell-cycle arrest in mouse eggs, Emi2 is essential for
meiosisI progression in
spermatocytes. In the absence of Emi2,
spermatocytesarrest in early diplotene of
prophase I. This arrest is associated with decreased Cdk1 activity and was partially rescued by a knockin mouse model of elevated Cdk1 activity. Additionally, we detected expression of Emi2 in
spermatidsand sperm, suggesting potential post-meiotic functions for Emi2.
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