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Updated: May 26, 2025
11:50
Purification and Quality Control of Recombinant Septin Complexes for Cell-Free Reconstitution
Published on: June 23, 2022
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SEPT14 complexes maintain sperm morphogenesis and function.
Han-Yu Wang1,2,3, Kuan-Ru Chen4, Bor-Chun Yeh4
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Summary
Septin 14 (SEPT14) is crucial for sperm development and male fertility. Loss of SEPT14 in mice caused infertility with severe sperm defects, highlighting its role in spermatogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mutations in the septin (SEPT) gene family are linked to male infertility.
- Septin 14 (SEPT14) is highly expressed in the testis and reduced in teratozoospermia, suggesting its importance in sperm formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of SEPT14 in sperm morphogenesis and function.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying SEPT14's function during spermiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Generation and analysis of Septin 14 knockout (Sept14-/-) mice.
- Microscopic examination of sperm morphology, DNA integrity, mitochondrial organization, and acrosome structure.
- Immunofluorescence and co-localization studies to identify SEPT14 interacting partners and localization.
Main Results:
- Sept14-/- male mice exhibited subfertility with abnormal sperm phenotypes, including irregular acrosomes, DNA damage, disorganized mitochondria, and displaced annuli.
- SEPT14 was localized to the acroplaxome, manchette, neck, and annulus during spermiogenesis.
- SEPT14 interacts with microtubules and actin during manchette formation and with SEPT9, SEPT7, and SEPT2 in the annulus to maintain its structure.
Conclusions:
- SEPT14 plays a critical role in regulating sperm morphogenesis and function.
- SEPT14's interactions with cytoskeletal components and other septins are essential for maintaining sperm structural integrity and fertility.
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