Coprs, which encodes a histone-binding protein, is highly expressed in the testis. It is essential for targeting the activity of protein arginine N-methyltransferase (Prmt5), and is involved in genome surveillance mechanisms through its role in the repression of retrotransposons, a crucial process for genome integrity during germ cell development [1].

Genetic inactivation of Coprs in mice affects the maturation of spermatogonia to spermatids. In coprs-/-mice, there is deregulation of Miwi and pachytene pre-piRNAs levels, along with derepression of LINE1 repetitive sequences. This indicates that Coprs is implicated in the repression of LINE1 transposons in spermatocytes, suggesting its importance in maintaining genome stability in germ cells [1].

In conclusion, Coprs plays a vital role in germ cell development by being involved in the repression of retrotransposons, especially LINE1 transposons in spermatocytes. The study of Coprs knockout mouse models has provided valuable insights into its function in maintaining genome integrity during germ cell development, highlighting its significance in understanding male germ cell-related biological processes and potential associated diseases [1].

References:

1. Paul, Conception, Delpech, Hélène, Haouzi, Delphine, Sardet, Claude, Fabbrizio, Eric. 2018. Coprs inactivation leads to a derepression of LINE1 transposons in spermatocytes. In FEBS open bio, 9, 159-168. doi:10.1002/2211-5463.12562. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30652083/