A novel homozygous missense mutation of PMFBP1 causes acephalic spermatozoa syndrome

To identify the pathogenic mutation in PMFBP1 leading to acephalic spermatozoa syndrome.

Sanger sequencing was used to screen for mutations in the known pathogenic genes SUN5 and PMFBP1 in a patient with acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression and localization of PMFBP1 in sperm. At the same time, a PMFBP1 mutant was constructed, and the expression level of PMFBP1 protein was further verified by in vitro experiments.

We identified a novel homozygous PMFBP1 missense mutation, c.301A>C (p.T101P), in an infertile male from a consanguineous family. Our results showed that the expression of PMFBP1 mutant protein was decreased obviously in sperm of the patient.

Our results showed that the novel homozygous missense mutation of PMFBP1 may be a cause of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome, which provided a basis for genetic counseling for the patient.