Role of phosphorylated Gonadotropin-Regulated Testicular RNA Helicase (GRTH/DDX25) in the Regulation of Germ Cell Specific mRNAs in Chromatoid Bodies during Spermatogenesis

In this study, we examined transcriptome profiles of Chromatoid bodies (organelle; CB) of germ cells isolated from GRTH Knock-In (Human GRTH gene with R242H mutation) and WT mice testis using RNA-Seq. We used homozygous GRTH KI mice (which show loss of phospho-GRTH) to further understand the importance of CB and phospho-GRTH and their role in spermatid development during spermiogenesis by analyzing the DEGs from RNA-Seq. The analysis of RNA-Seq data allowed us to find the relevant DEGs related to RNA Transport and Protein processing that are essential for spermatid development. This study using KI mice model demonstrated that loss of phospho-GRTH impairs CB structure and mRNA storage function (in CB) and chromatin compaction hampering initial stages of spermatid elongation process. Overall design: Transcriptome profiles of Chromatoid bodies (organelle; CB) in germ cells of WT and GRTH-Knock-In mice by Illumina RNA-Seq for gene expression profiling.