Proteome profile changes during mouse testis development

Spermatogenesis is a process of terminal differentiation that results in the formation of mature sperm. In the first wave of this differentiation in the mouse testis, different cell types appear in the seminiferous epithelium at specific times. These cytological changes must be accompanied by changes in protein expression patterns. The aim of the present study was the comparative analysis of proteomic profiles of the soluble proteins expressed at different stages of mouse testis development (8, 18 and 45 postnatal days). Conspicuous variations in their accumulation (representing up or downregulation) were detected over the course of development. Using mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), 44 proteins or variant forms were identified. Proteins with redox or antioxidant activity were identified in high proportions; others involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolic pathways, as well as a number of proteins or isoforms not previously characterized in testis were also detected. These results contribute to identify changes in soluble protein associated to the complex process of male germ cell differentiation.