[Histone phosphorylation and spermatogenesis]

Yi Chuan. 2014 Mar;36(3):220-7.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Histone phosphorylation is one of the most important post-translational modifications (PTMs) which play a key role in the chromatin remodeling process during spermatogenesis. Histone phosphorylation is related to distinct important biological processes, such as mitotic/meiotic chromosome condensation, chromatin function regulation, transcriptional activation or inactivation, double-strand DNA break repair, and other metabolic reactions. This review discusses the correlation between histone phosphorylation and spermatogenesis in different organisms from literatures published in the last decade. The critical functions of histone phosphorylation during spermatogenesis (sporogenesis) are summarized, such as binding sites involved in protein interaction, regulation of meiotic replication and/or recombination, correct chromatin remodeling, and chromatin compaction in the sperm nucleus (spore) after post-meiotic process. These findings will help build a solid foundation for further study, and also deepen our understanding of the roles for histones and their modifications in male germ cell development and differentiation.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Spermatogenesis*

Substances

  • Histones