# G6PC3 is involved in spermatogenesis by maintaining meiotic sex chromosome inactivation: Meiotic functions of G6PC3

## TL;DR

This study identifies G6PC3 as a key protein involved in male germ cell development by maintaining meiotic sex chromosome inactivation.

## Contribution

The study reveals G6PC3 as a novel essential regulator of meiotic progression in male spermatogenesis.

## Key findings

- G6PC3 is predominantly present in pachytene spermatocytes and concentrated in the sex body.
- G6PC3-deficient mice exhibit meiotic arrest and sterility due to impaired meiotic sex chromosome inactivation.
- Knockout of G6PC3 leads to abnormal XY body formation and disrupted meiotic progression.

## Abstract

Meiosis, a process unique to germ cells, involves formation and repair of double-stranded nicks in DNA, pairing and segregation of homologous chromosomes, which ultimately achieves recombination of homologous chromosomes. Genetic abnormalities resulted from defects in meiosis are leading causes of infertility in humans. Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) plays a crucial role in the development of male germ cells in mammals, yet its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we illustrate the predominant presence of a protein known as glucose 6 phosphatase catalyzed 3 (G6PC3) in pachytene spermatocytes, with a high concentration in the sex body (XY body), suggesting its significant involvement in male germ cell development. By employing CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we generate mice deficient in the
G6pc3 gene, resulting in complete meiotic arrest at the pachytene stage in spermatocytes and are completely sterile. Additionally, we observe abnormal XY body formation and impaired MSCI in
G6pc3-knockout spermatocytes. These findings underscore
G6pc3 as a new essential regulator that is essential for meiotic progression. G6PC3 is involved in spermatocyte during male spermatogenesis development by the maintenance of meiosis chromosome silencing.