WD Repeat And SOCS Box Containing Protein 2 (WSB2)

WSB2 contains five WD-repeats spanning most of the protein and an SOCS box in the C-terminus. The SOCS box may act as a bridge between specific substrate-binding domains and E3 ubiquitin protein ligases. Wsb2 was previously identified in a differential screen aimed at identifying the genes involved in male- and female-specific gonadal development. Wsb2 expression was analysed during mouse gonadogenesis by real-time PCR, whole-mount and section in situ hybridisation and immunofluorescence. Wsb2 mRNA expression was initially detected in gonads of both sexes from 11.5 days post coitum (dpc) until 12.0 dpc. By 12.5 dpc and thereafter, Wsb2 expression rapidly decreased in the female, while persisting in the male gonads. Wsb2 mRNA and protein were readily detected in the seminiferous cords within both Sertoli and germ cells.