Characterization of <i>Dmxl2</i>/DMXL2 expression during ovarian and testicular development.

(A)Dmxl2 mRNA levels were assessed by RT-qPCR during ovarian (white bars) and testicular (black bars) development. Values are expressed as a proportion of the maximum value observed (the maximum value being set at 1). Means ± SD were plotted. (B) Localization of DMXL2 protein in P5 and adult gonads. (a-d) At P5, co-immunodetection experiments were performed for DMXL2 (cytoplasmic green staining) and VASA (cytoplasmic, red staining). (b, d) VASA staining was observed specifically in germ cells of all stages in both male and female gonads. (a,b) In P5 ovaries, DMXL2 was highly abundant in the oocytes of primordial to secondary follicles, and in the granulosa cells. (c,d) In P5 testes, DMXL2 was detected in the seminiferous cords: in the germ cells and the Sertoli cells. (e, f) In adult ovaries, co-immunodetection experiments were performed for DMXL2 (green) and LAMININ (red). The DMXL2 signal remained strong in the oocytes of the primordial and primary follicles. Faint staining was observed in granulosa cells, at least until the preantral stage. (g, h) In adult testes, DMXL2 was detected mostly in the germ cells. Nonspecific staining of the interstitial tissue was observed, as demonstrated by the experiment in which the primary antibody was omitted (h). Arrowheads indicate DMXL2-positive oocytes of primordial follicles.