Molecular characterization and expression of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) DEAD-box family VASA gene and mRNA transcript variants isolated from testis tissue.

VASA is a member of the DEAD-box protein family that plays an indispensable role in mammalian spermatogenesis, particularly during meiosis. In the present study, we isolated, sequenced, and characterized VASA gene in buffalo testis. Here, we demonstrated that VASA mRNA is expressed as multiple isoforms and uses four alternative transcriptional start sites (TSSs) and four different polyadenylation sites.