Germline stem cell markers
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Use our guide and timeline to find the right spermatogenesis markers for every stage.
Developed in collaboration with the Geyer lab at East Carolina University, we have outlined spermatogenesis markers present throughout each stage of germline stem cell differentiation. From primordial germ cells to spermatids, find the best markers and products for your research.
Jump to: DDX4 | OCT4 | STRA8 | KIT |SYCP3 | DAZL | SALL4 | TRA98 | DPPA3
DEAD-box helicase 4 (DDX4) is a germ cell-specific ATP-dependent RNA helicase. It has been found in the cytoplasm of both male and female germ cells.
We recommend Anti-DDX4 / MVH antibody (ab13840).
Image (above): 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).
Octamer binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) is a nuclear homeodomain-containing protein that functions as a transcription factor.
We recommend Recombinant Anti-Oct4 antibody [EPR17929] - ChIP Grade (ab181557).
Image (above): 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).
Stimulated by retinoic acid 8 (STRA8) is a nuclear protein with an unknown function, but is required for meiotic entry in both female and male mice.
We recommend Anti-Stra8 antibody (ab49602).
Image (left): 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).
C-Kit (or KIT) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is expressed in primordial germ cells (PGCs) and is required for their survival. It is also required in differentiating to spermatogonia.
We recommend Anti-c-Kit antibody [2B8] (ab65525).
Image (above): P6 CD-1 testis stained with anti-KIT primary antibody (ab65525) 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).
Synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3) is a structural component of the synaptonemal complex, which forms during the zygotene stage of meiosis.
We recommend Anti-SCP3 antibody (ab15093).
Image (abve): P6 CD-1 testis stained with anti-SCP3 primary antibody (ab15093), using AlexaFluor® 488 secondary antibody (green). Phalloidin-594 was used to label F-actin (red), and DAPI was used to label nuclei (blue).
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.
We recommend Anti-DAZL antibody (ab34139).
Image (left): 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).
SALL4 is a transcription factor that regulates axis formation during embryonic development and is generally detectable in stem and progenitor cell populations.
We recommend Anti-Sall4 antibody (ab29112).
Image (left): P6 CD-1 testis stained with anti-SALL4 primary antibody (ab 29112) 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).
Testicular germ cell-specific antigen (TRA98) is a testis-specific nuclear protein with unknown function, detectable in all post-natal male germ cells.
We recommend Anti-GCNA1 antibody [TRA98] (ab82527).
Image (above): 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).
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.
We recommend Anti-STELLAR antibody (ab19878).
Image(above): 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
- Kehler J, Tolkunova E, Koschorz B, Pesce M, Gentile L, Boiani M, Lomelí H, Nagy A, McLaughlin KJ, Schöler HR, Tomilin A. Oct4 is required for primordial germ cell survival. EMBO Rep. 5, 1078–83 (2004).
- Mithraprabhu S, Loveland KL. Control of KIT signalling in male germ cells: what can we learn from other systems? Reproduction 138:743–57 (2009).
- Orr-Urtreger A, Avivi A, Zimmer Y, Givol D, Yarden Y, Lonai P. Developmental expression of c-kit, a proto-oncogene encoded by the W locus. Development 109,911–23 (1990).
- Sato M, Kimura T, Kurokawa K, Fujita Y, Abe K, Masuhara M, Yasunaga T, Ryo A, Yamamoto M, Nakano T. Identification of PGC7, a new gene expressed specifically in preimplantation embryos and germ cells. Mech Dev. 113, 91–4 (2002).