Spata22, a Novel Vertebrate-Specific Gene, Is Required for Meiotic Progress in Mouse Germ Cells1

Abstract

Meiosis is a defining event of gametogenesis, leading to the production of haploid gametes capable of supporting embryonic development. Failure to execute meiosis correctly frequently causes infertility and/or aneuploidy. Approximately 15% of human couples worldwide suffer from infertility, and much of this involves meiotic failure [ 1]. Thus, greater knowledge of genes responsible for successful meiotic progression would significantly increase our understanding of male- and female-factor infertility.