LM23 is a novel member of the Speedy/Ringo family at the crossroads of life and death of spermatogenic cell

LM23 is a gene specifically expressed in the testis of Rattus norvegicus, as previously reported by our laboratory. The aim of the study is to further investigate the biological function of LM23. Several bioinformatic tools were utilized, including PROSITE and BLAST. To determine the subcellullar localization of LM23, a polyclonal antibody specific for LM23 was generated via the immunization of rabbits. The LM23 gene was cloned from rat testis tissue, and LM23 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli. The biological function of LM23 was analyzed with microarray analysis and immunohistochemistry, using a rat model of LM23 gene knockdown. The results suggested that LM23 belongs to the Speedy/Ringo family. LM23 regulated the G(1)/S and G(2)/M transitions of the cell cycle during spermatogenesis. Downregulation of the LM23 gene during spermatogenesis could lead to the activation of both the Fas-FasL pathway and the mitochondrial pathway. These novel findings indicate that LM23 has a diverse array of functions that are important in both the life and death of the spermatogenic cell. Asian Journal of Andrology (2011) 13, 446-452; doi:10.1038/aja.2011.21