CREM: a master-switch regulating the balance between differentiation and apoptosis in male germ cells

Mol Reprod Dev. 2000 Jun;56(2 Suppl):228-9. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2795(200006)56:2+<228::AID-MRD2>3.0.CO;2-B.

Abstract

Cyclic AMP-responsive element modulator (CREM) is a transcription factor highly expressed in the post-meiotic germ cells of the testis. Its pivotal role is to regulate the expression of several germ cell-specific genes, a crucial function as demonstrated by the severe phenotype of mice whose CREM gene was mutated by homologous recombination. CREM-deficient male animals are sterile and display a ten-fold increase in the apoptosis of germ cells. Recent results have shown that CREM needs a tissue-specific co-activator, ACT (activator of CREM in testis) to elicit its regulatory function in testis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis*
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element Modulator
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • LIM Domain Proteins
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Repressor Proteins*
  • Spermatozoa / cytology*
  • Testis / cytology
  • Testis / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Fhl5 protein, mouse
  • LIM Domain Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • activator of CREM in testis (ACT)
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element Modulator