Involvement of cyclins in mammalian spermatogenesis

Abstract

Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complicated developmental process by which undifferentiated germ cells continuously produce mature sperm throughout a lifetime. Stringent control of the cell cycle during spermatogenesis is required to ensure self-renewal of male germ line cells and differentiation of appropriate numbers of cells for the various lineages. Cyclins are key factors of cell cycle regulation and play crucial roles in governing both the mitotic and meiotic divisions that characterize spermatogenesis. Abnormal expression of some types of cyclins in the testes can induce apoptosis, infertility, testicular tumors, and other problems related to spermatogenesis in mammals. In this review, available data regarding cellular and molecular regulation of several different types of cyclins during mammalian spermatogenesis are collected and further discussed.