Fank1 is exclusively expressed in the testis from the meiosis phase to the haploid phase of spermatogenesis. In this study, we
examined the function of Fank1 by establishing a Fank1-knockdown transgenic mouse model. The apoptotic statuses of the testes
of the transgenic mice were tested using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. The
FANK1 consensus DNA-binding sequence was identifi ed using cyclic amplifi cation of sequence target (CAST) analysis. Differentially
expressed genes were examined using microarray analysis. A reduction in sperm number and an increase in apoptotic spermatocytes
were observed in Fank1-knockdown mice, and the apoptotic cells were found to be primarily spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The
CAST results demonstrated that the consensus DNA-binding sequence was AAAAAG, in which the percentage occurrence of each
base at each position ranged from 55 to 86%. This sequence was present in the promoter regions of 10 differentially expressed genes
that were examined using microarray analysis. In total, 17 genes were differentially expressed with changes in their expression levels
greater than twofold. The abnormal expression of Fank1 target genes that were regulated directly or indirectly by Fank1 reduced
the number of sperm in the knockdown mice. Thus, FANK1 may play a pivotal role in spermatogenesis as a transcription factor.

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