Germline stem cell markers
Easily find the best markers and products for your research.
Developed together with the Geyer lab at East Carolina University, this guide outlines spermatogenesis markers present throughout each stage of germline stem cell differentiation, from primordial germ cells to spermatids.
DDX4/MVH
Alternative names DEAD-box helicase 4
DEAD-box helicase 4 (DDX4) is a germ cell-specific ATP-dependent RNA helicase found in the cytoplasm of both male and female germ cells.
P6 CD-1 testis stained with anti-DDX4/MVH (ab13840) primary antibody and AlexaFluor® 488 secondary antibody (green). Phalloidin-594 was used to label F-actin (red), and DAPI was used to label nuclei (blue).
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OCT4
Alternative names
Octamer binding transcription factor 4
Octamer binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) is a nuclear homeodomain-containing protein that functions as a transcription factor.
P6 mouse testis stained with anti-OCT4 (ab181557) antibody and AlexaFluor® 488 secondary antibody (green). Phalloidin-594 was used to label F-actin (red), and DAPI was used to label nuclei (blue).
We recommend
Anti-Oct4 antibody [EPR17929] - ChIP Grade
References
View 1 reference for OCT4
STRA8
Alternative names Stimulated by retinoic acid 8
Stimulated by retinoic acid 8 (STRA8) is a nuclear protein with an unknown function, which is required for meiotic entry in both female and male mice.
Adult CD-1 testis stained with anti-STRA8 antibody (ab49602) and AlexaFluor® 488 secondary antibody (green). Phalloidin-594 was used to label F-actin (red), and DAPI was used to label nuclei (blue).
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c-KIT
Alternative names KIT
c-Kit (or KIT) is a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed in primordial germ cells (PGCs) and required for their survival. It is also required for differentiating to spermatogonia.
Adult CD-1 testis stained with anti-STRA8 antibody (ab49602) and AlexaFluor® 488 secondary antibody (green). Phalloidin-594 was used to label F-actin (red), and DAPI was used to label nuclei (blue).
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SYCP3
Alternative names SCP3, Synaptonemal complex protein 3
Synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3) is a structural component of the synaptonemal complex, which forms during the zygotene stage of meiosis.
Adult CD-1 testis stained with anti-STRA8 antibody (ab49602) and AlexaFluor® 488 secondary antibody (green). Phalloidin-594 was used to label F-actin (red), and DAPI was used to label nuclei (blue).
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DAZL
Alternative names Deleted in azoospermia like
Deleted in azoospermia like (DAZL) is an autosomally-encoded RNA binding protein, usually located in the cytoplasm. It is expressed only in male and female germ cells.
P6 CD-1 testis stained with anti-DAZL primary antibody (ab34139) and ab150081 goat anti-rabbit AlexaFluor® 488 secondary antibody (green). Phalloidin-594 was used to label F-actin (red), and DAPI was used to label nuclei (blue).
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SALL4
SALL4 is a transcription factor that regulates axis formation during embryonic development and is generally detectable in stem and progenitor cell populations.
P6 CD-1 testis stained with anti-SALL4 primary antibody (ab29112) and goat anti-rabbit AlexaFluor® 488 secondary antibody (green, ab150081). Phalloidin-594 was used to label F-actin (red), and DAPI was used to label nuclei (blue).
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TRA98
Alternative names GCNA1, Testicular germ cell-specific antigen
Testicular germ cell-specific antigen (TRA98) is a testis-specific nuclear protein with unknown function, detectable in all post-natal male germ cells.
P6 CD-1 testis stained with anti-TRA98 rat monoclonal (ab82527) primary antibody and goat anti-rat AlexaFluor® 488 secondary antibody (green, ab150165). Phalloidin-594 was used to label F-actin (red), and DAPI was used to label nuclei (blue).
We recommend
Goat Anti-Rat IgG H&L (Alexa Fluor® 488) preadsorbed
DPPA3/STELLAR
Developmental pluripotency associated 3
Developmental pluripotency associated 3 (DPPA3) is a nuclear protein with a role in epigenetic regulation in the fetal gonad. It is dispensable during male germ cell development and is not required for fertility.
Adult testis stained with anti-STELLAR primary antibody (ab19878) and goat anti-rabbit AlexaFluor® 488 secondary antibody (green, ab150081). Phalloidin-594 was used to label F-actin (red), and DAPI was used to label nuclei (blue).
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References
View 1 reference for DPPA3/STELLAR
References
OCT4
c-KIT
Mithraprabhu S.,, Loveland K. L. Control of KIT signalling in male germ cells: what can we learn from other systems? Reproduction 138 ,743-757 (2009)