Androgen‑Dependent Regulation of β‑Defensin Expression in Sperm Maturation

Abstract

Several specific genes expressed in the epididymis are thought to be involved in the sperm maturation process. The characteristics of genes involved in sperm maturation in addition to their specific expression in the epididymis are also influenced by androgens, testicular factors, and expression at puberty. A family of genes that is quite commonly found expressed in the epididymis is Beta Defensin, one of which is Beta Defensin 2 (Defb2). Thus, this study aims to characterize the Defb2 gene related to its role in the sperm maturation process. Bioinformatics analysis was used in this study to obtain information about gene structure, signal peptides, and functional domains in the Defb2 gene. qRT-PCR analysis to determine the relative expression of the Defb2 gene in various tissues, its regulation by androgens, the influence of testicular factors and their expression on postnatal development. The results obtained are Defb2 is a secretory protein because it has a signal peptide. Defb2 has a functional domain in the form of N-myristoylation and protein kinase-C. Defb2 gene is specifically expressed in the epididymis, especially in the head of the epididymis. Defb2 expression is influenced by androgens and testicular factors are proven after gonadectomy and Efferent Duct Ligation (EDL) decreases in Defb2 expression. As for the postnatal development analysis, the expression of Defb2 gene began to be detected clearly on the 15th day which is the puberty of male mice .