[Lentiviral vector-mediated RNA interference of mouse epididymis-specific meClps gene lowers mouse sperm mobility].

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting mouse epididymis-specific colipase-like (meClps) gene on mouse sperm mobility.

METHODS

The eukaryotic expression vector pDsRed2.0-C1-meClps was constructed and transfected into NIH-3T3 cells, and the protein expression was detected with anti-meClps serum. Three interfering sequences targeting meClps (RNAi-251, 224 and 286) were inserted into lentiviral vectors pRNAT-U6.2/lenti, which were co-transfected with pDsRed2.0-C1-meClps into NIH-3T3 cells. The RNA interfering efficiency was confirmed by semi-quantitative PCR and Western blotting. The lentivirus, packed with the lentiviral vector with the highest interfering efficiency, was injected into the caput tissues of mouse epididymis, and its effect on sperm mobility of the cauda epididymis was evaluated.

RESULTS

All the 3 lentiviral RNAi vectors targeting meClps could inhibit the mRNA and protein expressions of meClps, among which pRNAT-U6.2/lenti-RNAi-251 had the highest interfering efficiency. The lentivirus packed with pRNAT-U6.2/lenti-RNAi-251 significantly reduced the path velocity of cauda sperm after injection into the caput epididymis of the mice (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Knock-down meClps expression by lentiviral-mediated RNA interference can lower sperm mobility of mice.