Barrier-to-autointegration factor 2 (Banf2), a paralog of BAF, shows a testis-predominant expression pattern in humans and mice [1,2]. Although the exact function is yet to be fully elucidated, genes with similar expression patterns are involved in processes like germ cell development, spermatid development, and spermatogenesis [2]. Genetic models, such as knockout mice, are valuable tools to study its function.

Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate Banf2-knockout mice, researchers found that these knockout mice did not display any detectable abnormalities in the histological structure of the testis, epididymis, ovary, and other tissues, and had normal fertility. This indicates that Banf2 is not essential for mouse spermatogenesis and fertility [1].

In conclusion, despite its testis-predominant expression, Banf2 is not essential for spermatogenesis or fertility in mice as shown by Banf2-knockout mouse models. However, its potential roles in other biological processes or in relation to human male infertility, as suggested by transcriptomic data, still need further exploration [1,2].

References:

1. Niu, Chang-Min, Xia, Meng-Meng, Zhong, Ya-Nan, Zheng, Ying. 2021. Mus musculus Barrier-To-Autointegration Factor 2 (Banf2) is Not Essential for Spermatogenesis or Fertility. In Cytogenetic and genome research, 161, 167-177. doi:10.1159/000513850. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33951625/

2. Omolaoye, Temidayo S, Omolaoye, Victor A, Kandasamy, Richard K, Hachim, Mahmood Yaseen, Du Plessis, Stefan S. 2022. Omics and Male Infertility: Highlighting the Application of Transcriptomic Data. In Life (Basel, Switzerland), 12, . doi:10.3390/life12020280. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35207567/