[Expression of annexin A7 in spermatogonial stem cells].

Objective: To study the expression of Annexin A7 in the mouse testis, especially in different types of spermatogonia.

Methods: We prepared Annexin A7 recombinant protein using prokaryotic expression, adsorbed the Annexin A7 antibody with it after identified by mass spectrometry, and detected the expression of Annexin A7 by Western-blot and immunohistochemistry.

Results: Annexin A7 was expressed in a development-dependent manner in the spermatogonia of the prepubertal mice and in the type-A single (As) and type-A paired (Apr) spermatogonia of adult mice. These results were confirmed by the co-localization of Annexin A7 and Stra8, a known determinant of differentiated spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs).

Conclusion: Annexin A7 is the internal factor of As and Apr spermatogonia, which might be involved in the biological functions of SSCs.