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Structural specializations of the sperm tail.

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Sperm motility relies on complex axonemal structures. This study reveals key proteins and their organization within sperm microtubules, offering insights into male infertility and reproductive success.

Keywords:
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Area of Science:

  • Structural biology
  • Reproductive biology
  • Molecular cell biology

Background:

  • Sperm motility is essential for fertilization and reproduction.
  • Male infertility is a growing global health concern.
  • The precise molecular architecture of sperm axonemes supporting motility remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the high-resolution structures of native sperm axonemal doublet microtubules (DMTs).
  • To identify and characterize proteins decorating sperm DMTs across different species and fertilization environments.
  • To elucidate the molecular basis of sperm motility and its link to infertility.

Main Methods:

  • High-resolution structural analysis of native axonemal doublet microtubules (DMTs) from sea urchin and bovine sperm.
  • Proteomic identification of proteins associated with sperm DMTs.
  • Comparative analysis of DMT structures and protein composition across species.

Main Results:

  • Detailed structures of sperm DMTs from external (sea urchin) and internal (bovine) fertilizers were resolved.
  • >60 proteins decorating sperm DMTs were identified, with 15 linked to sperm function and 16 to infertility.
  • Core microtubule inner proteins (MIPs) and conserved microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) with novel tubulin-binding modes were defined, alongside the evolution of the tektin bundle.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides novel structural insights into the molecular machinery of sperm motility.
  • Identified proteins and structural features offer potential targets for understanding and treating male infertility.
  • This work lays the foundation for future research into sperm evolution and dysfunction at a molecular level.