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Updated: Oct 24, 2025
09:40
A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model
Published on: February 6, 2018
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The missing linker between SUN5 and PMFBP1 in sperm head-tail coupling apparatus
Ying Zhang1, Chao Liu2,3, Bingbing Wu3,4
1Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.
Nature Communications
|August 14, 2021
Summary
CENTLEIN is crucial for sperm head-to-tail coupling apparatus (HTCA) integrity. Its inactivation causes sperm decapitation and male sterility, highlighting its role in male fertility and potential links to acephalic spermatozoa syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The sperm head-to-tail coupling apparatus (HTCA) is vital for male fertility.
- Defects in HTCA lead to acephalic spermatozoa and infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of CENTLEIN in HTCA integrity and function.
- To determine the molecular interactions of CENTLEIN within the HTCA.
Main Methods:
- Inactivation of CENTLEIN in mouse models.
- Analysis of sperm morphology and protein localization.
- Co-immunoprecipitation assays to study protein interactions.
Main Results:
- CENTLEIN is essential for HTCA integrity; its absence causes sperm decapitation and male sterility.
- CENTLEIN directly interacts with SUN5 and PMFBP1 proteins in the HTCA.
- Absence of CENTLEIN disrupts the localization of SUN5 and PMFBP1, affecting sperm structure.
Conclusions:
- CENTLEIN, SUN5, and PMFBP1 cooperate in HTCA assembly and sperm head-tail integration.
- CENTLEIN dysfunction is implicated in acephalic spermatozoa syndrome.
- This study identifies CENTLEIN as a key player in male fertility.
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