D930020B18Rik is a gene whose function has been investigated in mouse models. Its expression pattern and potential roles in reproductive processes have been the focus of research, hinting at its importance in understanding mammalian reproduction [1,2].

In one study, the D930020B18Rik gene was among 13 ovary-and/or oocyte-enriched genes individually knocked out in mice using the Nuclease technology system. Mating tests and in vitro fertilization experiments in some of the mutant lines showed that this gene is individually not essential for female fertility in mice [1]. Another study found that in mouse testes, the expression of D930020B18Rik was low in the first 2 postnatal weeks, increased from the 3rd postnatal week to sexual maturity. It was mainly localized in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia initially and later in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia and nuclei of round and elongated spermatids, absent in mature sperm nuclei. Bioinformatics analysis indicated it might be involved in nucleoplasmic condensation, meiosis, and formation of the microtubule cytoskeleton during mitosis, processes related to spermatogenesis. Also, transcription factors klf5 and foxo1 could regulate its transcription [2].

In summary, while D930020B18Rik is not essential for female fertility in mice, its expression pattern in the testis suggests a potential role in spermatogenesis, specifically in processes like meiosis and spermiogenesis. Mouse gene-knockout models have been crucial in revealing these aspects of D930020B18Rik's function in mammalian reproduction [1,2].

References:

1. Pham, Anh Hoang, Emori, Chihiro, Ishikawa-Yamauchi, Yu, Fujihara, Yoshitaka, Ikawa, Masahito. 2024. Thirteen Ovary-Enriched Genes Are Individually Not Essential for Female Fertility in Mice. In Cells, 13, . doi:10.3390/cells13100802. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38786026/

2. Wu, Yong, Chang, Wen-Lin, Tian, Yuan, Zhang, Ya-Wei, Zhang, Zeng. . [Expression of the D930020B18Rik gene in the mouse testis during spermatogenesis: Characteristics and potential role]. In Zhonghua nan ke xue = National journal of andrology, 30, 9-17. doi:. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39046408/