Int. J. Dev. Biol. 57: 159 - 168 (2013)
Special Issue: Male Germ Cells in Development & Tumors
Role of cyclins in controlling progression of mammalian spermatogenesis
Published: 30 May 2013
Abstract
Cyclins are key regulators of the mammalian cell cycle, functioning primarily in concert with their catalytic partners, the cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks). While their function during mitosis in somatic cells has been extensively documented, their function during both mitosis and meiosis in the germ line is poorly understood. From the perspective of cell cycle regulation there are several aspects of mammalian spermatogenesis that suggest unique modes of regulation and hence, possible unique functions for the cyclins. This review will summarize our current understanding of cyclin expression and function in the male germ line, with particular focus on the A and E type cyclins in the mouse model. While the focus is on mammalian spermatogenesis, we note contrasts with similar functions in the female germ line when relevant and also draw upon observations in other model systems to provide further insight.
Keywords
cyclin, cell cycle, meiosis, spermatogenesis