Loss of PMFBP1 Disturbs Mouse Spermatogenesis by Downregulating HDAC3 Expression

Weilong Xu1, Zhoujuan Yao1, Yunzhi Li1

  • 1School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.

Abstract

Insights

Polyamine modulating factor 1 binding protein (PMFBP1) interacts with CCT3, impacting HDAC3 expression and leading to abnormal sperm development. This study reveals a new mechanism for PMFBP1 in mouse spermatogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Proteomics

Background:

  • Polyamine modulating factor 1 binding protein (PMFBP1) is crucial for sperm structure.
  • Its precise role and molecular mechanisms in spermatogenesis require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify novel functions and molecular mechanisms of PMFBP1 in mouse spermatogenesis.
  • To investigate the protein interactions and downstream effects of PMFBP1.

Main Methods:

  • Immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry to identify PMFBP1 interacting proteins.
  • Co-immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, and immunochemistry to validate interactions and protein expression.
  • Proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of wild-type and Pmfbp1 knockout mouse testes.
  • RT-qPCR to confirm downstream gene regulation.

Main Results:

  • PMFBP1 interacts with chaperonin-containing TCP1 subunit 3 (CCT3) and class I histone deacetylases, including HDAC3.
  • Loss of PMFBP1 in mice leads to reduced HDAC levels and altered testicular proteomic profiles, affecting spermatogenesis and flagella assembly.
  • Downstream response factors RNF151 and RNF133 are regulated by the PMFBP1-HDAC3 axis.

Conclusions:

  • PMFBP1 interacts with CCT3, modulating HDAC3 expression, which subsequently downregulates RNF151 and RNF133, causing abnormal sperm phenotypes.
  • This study uncovers a novel molecular mechanism for PMFBP1 in spermatogenesis.
  • The findings highlight the utility of multi-omics approaches for gene functional annotation.