Abstract
The kinase suppressor of Ras 2 (KSR2) is a scaffold protein for the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. KSR2 mediates germline mpk-1 (Caenorhabditis elegans ERK) phosphorylation in C. elegans and has been implicated the regulation of meiosis. KSR2(-/-) mice exhibit metabolic abnormalities and are reproductively impaired. The role of KSR2 in meiosis and fertility in mice has yet to be elucidated. Here, we describe a novel truncated KSR2 mRNA identified in mouse testes (T-KSR2). Further analysis demonstrates T-KSR2 is specific to mouse testes and mature sperm cells. The detection of T-KSR2 may enhance our understanding of mechanisms controlling spermatogenesis and fertility.
Keywords:
CA, conserved area; ERK, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase; KSR, kinase suppressor of Ras; KSR2; MAPK, mitogen activated protein kinase; NDK-1, nucleoside diphosphate kinase 1; RACE, rapid amplification of cDNA ends; SH2, Src homology 2; Scaffold; Sperm; T-KSR2, testes-kinase suppressor of Ras 2.