Novel Aspects of cAMP-Response Element Modulator (CREM) Role in Spermatogenesis and Male Fertility
Spermatogenesis is a very complex process with an intricate transcriptional regulation. The transition from the diploid to the haploid state requires the involvement of specialized genes in meiosis, among other specific functions for the formation of the spermatozoon. The transcription factor cAMP-r...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2023-08-01
|
| Series: | International Journal of Molecular Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/16/12558 |
| Summary: | Spermatogenesis is a very complex process with an intricate transcriptional regulation. The transition from the diploid to the haploid state requires the involvement of specialized genes in meiosis, among other specific functions for the formation of the spermatozoon. The transcription factor cAMP-response element modulator (CREM) is a key modulator that triggers the differentiation of the germ cell into the spermatozoon through the modification of gene expression. CREM has multiple repressor and activator isoforms whose expression is tissue-cell-type specific and tightly regulated by various factors at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational level. The activator isoform CREMτ controls the expression of several relevant genes in post-meiotic stages of spermatogenesis. In addition, exposure to xenobiotics negatively affects <i>CREMτ</i> expression, which is linked to male infertility. On the other hand, antioxidants could have a positive effect on <i>CREMτ</i> expression and improve sperm parameters in idiopathically infertile men. Therefore, <i>CREM</i> expression could be used as a biomarker to detect and even counteract male infertility. This review examines the importance of CREM as a transcription factor for sperm production and its relevance in male fertility, infertility and the response to environmental xenobiotics that may affect <i>CREMτ</i> expression and the downstream regulation that alters male fertility. Also, some health disorders in which <i>CREM</i> expression is altered are discussed. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1661-6596 1422-0067 |