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  • The EMBO Journal (2006) 25, 4263 - 4270
  • doi:10.1038/sj.emboj.7601304

Published online: 31 August 2006

Dazl can bind to dynein motor complex and may play a role in transport of specific mRNAs

Kyung Ho Lee1, Seongju Lee1, Byunghyuk Kim1, Sunghoe Chang2, Soo Woong Kim3, Jae-Seung Paick3 and Kunsoo Rhee1

  1. Department of Biological Sciences and Research Center for Functional Cellulomics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
  2. Department of Life Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
  3. Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence to:

Kunsoo Rhee, Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, San 56-1 Kwanak-Gu, Seoul 151-742, Korea. Tel.: +82 2 880 5751; Fax: +82 2 873 5751; E-mail: rheek@snu.ac.kr

Received 2 February 2006; Accepted 1 August 2006

Male germ cell development includes mitotic and meiotic cell divisions that are followed by dramatic morphological changes resulting in the production of spermatozoa. Genetic evidence has indicated that the DAZ family genes are critical for successful male germ cell development in diverse animals as well as humans. In the present study, we investigated the cellular functions of Dazl in the mouse male germ cells. We identified a specific interaction of Dazl with the dynein light chain, a component of the dynein–dynactin motor complex. The subcellular distribution of Dazl was microtubule-dependent and a selected number of Dazl-bound mRNAs could accumulate in the perinuclear area. Based on these results, we propose that Dazl may play a role in transport of specific mRNAs via dynein motor complex. The Dazl-bound mRNAs may be stored at specific sites and would be available for future developmental processes. Our study revealed the presence of an active mRNA transport system in mouse male germ cells.

  • Keywords:

    • Dazl,
    • dynein,
    • dynein light chain,
    • male infertility,
    • mRNA transport