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Li Z, Liu X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Zhou L, Yuan S. FBXO24 modulates mRNA alternative splicing and MIWI degradation and is required for normal sperm formation and male fertility. eLife 2024; 12:RP91666. [PMID: 38470475 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is a critical, post-meiotic phase of male gametogenesis, in which the proper gene expression is essential for sperm maturation. However, the underFlying molecular mechanism that controls mRNA expression in the round spermatids remains elusive. Here, we identify that FBXO24, an orphan F-box protein, is highly expressed in the testis of humans and mice and interacts with the splicing factors (SRSF2, SRSF3, and SRSF9) to modulate the gene alternative splicing in the round spermatids. Genetic mutation of FBXO24 in mice causes many abnormal splicing events in round spermatids, thus affecting a large number of critical genes related to sperm formation that were dysregulated. Further molecular and phenotypical analyses revealed that FBXO24 deficiency results in aberrant histone retention, incomplete axonemes, oversized chromatoid body, and abnormal mitochondrial coiling along sperm flagella, ultimately leading to male sterility. In addition, we discovered that FBXO24 interacts with MIWI and SCF subunits and mediates the degradation of MIWI via K48-linked polyubiquitination. Furthermore, we show that FBXO24 depletion could lead to aberrant piRNA production in testes, which suggests FBXO24 is required for normal piRNA counts. Collectively, these data demonstrate that FBXO24 is essential for sperm formation by regulating mRNA alternative splicing and MIWI degradation during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingping Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liquan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Tang S, Lu J, Xu Y, Wang J, Hong R, Ge Y, Liang Y. Analysis of selected sperm samples by a computer-assisted system with high frame rate: A prospective study. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1217. [PMID: 37123552 PMCID: PMC10140643 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Due to the rapid motility of the selected sperm, sperm parameters cannot be accurately determined by the manual method. So, the application of a computer-assisted sperm analysis system with a high frame rate (HFR-CASA, 85 Hz) in sperm selection is investigated. Methods A total of 177 semen samples were collected for sperm selection with density gradient centrifugation. Then, the manual method and HFR-CASA method will be used to observe and analyze the sperm concentration, motility, and percentage of progressively motile sperm (PR) of the selected sperm samples. The quality control of sperm concentration was performed with microballoons. Two selected sperm samples were analyzed 10 times repeatedly to evaluate the accuracy of the HFR-CASA. Results The results of microballoons analyzed with the HFR-CASA were in control. The coefficients of variation of sperm concentration, motility, and PR from two selected sperm samples were all below 10%. The results of 177 selected sperm samples analyzed by the manual method and HFR-CASA showed that although there were significant positive correlations in sperm concentration, motility, and PR between them (p < 0.001), the manual method significantly underestimated sperm concentration (p = 0.002) but overestimated sperm motility and PR (p < 0.001). When sperm concentration was below 50 × 106/mL, the manual method significantly overestimated sperm concentration (p < 0.05). However, when sperm concentration was more than 100 × 106/mL, the manual method significantly underestimated sperm concentration (p < 0.001). Regardless of sperm concentration, the manual method consistently overestimated sperm motility and PR (p < 0.001). When sperm concentration was more than 20 × 106/mL, there was no correlation in sperm PR between them (p > 0.05). When sperm concentration was below 50 × 106/mL, the correct rate of captured sperm by the HFR-CASA was more than 98%. Conclusion The HFR-CASA method is more accurate than the manual method in analyzing the selected sperm samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan‐Shan Tang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda HospitalSoutheast UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Jin‐Chun Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda HospitalSoutheast UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Yuan‐Hua Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda HospitalSoutheast UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Jing Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda HospitalSoutheast UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Ren‐Yun Hong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda HospitalSoutheast UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Yan‐Mei Ge
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda HospitalSoutheast UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Yuan‐Jiao Liang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda HospitalSoutheast UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
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Petrella F, Lusignan MF, Gabriel MS, Pedraza C, Moryousef J, Almajed W, Chan P. Impact of age and fertility status on the consistency of repeat measurements of Sperm DNA Damage: A single-center, prospective, dual visit study. Urology 2022; 169:96-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Finelli R, Leisegang K, Tumallapalli S, Henkel R, Agarwal A. The validity and reliability of computer-aided semen analyzers in performing semen analysis: a systematic review. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:3069-3079. [PMID: 34430409 PMCID: PMC8350227 DOI: 10.21037/tau-21-276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Computer-aided sperm analyzers (CASA) are currently used worldwide for semen analysis. However, there are doubts about their reliability to fully substitute the human operator. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the current literature comparing results from semen evaluation by both CASA-based and manual approaches. Methods A systematic screening of the literature was performed based on the PRISMA guidelines and by searching on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. Results A total of 14 studies were included. Our results showed a high degree of correlation for sperm concentration and motility when analysis was performed either manually or by using a CASA system. However, CASA results showed increased variability in low (<15 million/mL) and high (>60 million/mL) concentration specimens, while sperm motility assessment was inaccurate in samples with higher concentration or in the presence of non-sperm cells and debris. Morphology results showed the highest level of difference, due to the high amount of heterogeneity seen between the shapes of the spermatozoa either in one sample or across multiple samples from the same subject. Conclusions Overall, our study suggests CASA systems as a valid alternative for the evaluation of semen parameters in clinical practice, especially for sperm concentration and motility. However, further technological improvements are required before these devices can one day completely replace the human operator. Artificial intelligence-based CASA devices promise to offer higher efficiency of the analysis and improve the reliability of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | | | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,LogixX Pharma, Theale, Berkshire, UK
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Agarwal A, Henkel R, Huang C, Lee M. Automation of human semen analysis using a novel artificial intelligence optical microscopic technology. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13440. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland OH USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland OH USA
- Department of Medical Bioscience University of the Western Cape Bellville South Africa
| | | | - Maw‐Sheng Lee
- Lee Women's Hospital Taichung Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine Chung Shan Medical University Taichung Taiwan
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Aoki Y, Tsujimura A, Nagashima Y, Hiramatsu I, Uesaka Y, Nozaki T, Ogishima T, Shirai M, Shoyama Y, Tanaka H, Horie S. Effect of Lepidium meyenii on in vitro fertilization via improvement in acrosome reaction and motility of mouse and human sperm. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:57-64. [PMID: 30655722 PMCID: PMC6332831 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The direct effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sperm remain unclear. Herein, we examined the direct effect of Maca on in vitro fertilization. METHODS We examined the fertilization rate in a mouse model and the rate of acrosome reaction in sperm from transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in a Maca extract-containing human tubal fluid (HTF) medium. Using human sperm, we assessed acrosome status via fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated peanut agglutinin (FITC-PNA) staining and performed detailed analysis using a sperm motility analysis system (SMAS). RESULTS In the mouse model, the fertilization rate in the Maca extract-containing HTF was significantly higher than that in the control medium. The acrosome reaction rate in sperm from transgenic mice expressing EGFP was also significantly higher in the Maca extract-containing HTF than that in the control medium. Similarly, a high acrosome reaction rate, identified via FITC-PNA staining of human sperm samples, was found in the Maca extract-containing HTF compared with that in the control medium. Human sperm motility in the Maca extract-containing HTF was also increased compared with that in the control medium as measured using an SMAS. CONCLUSIONS Maca improved in vitro fertilization rates by inducing an acrosome reaction and increasing sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Aoki
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Akira Tsujimura
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
| | - Yuki Nagashima
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
| | - Ippei Hiramatsu
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yuka Uesaka
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
| | - Taiji Nozaki
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
| | - Tatsuya Ogishima
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
| | - Masato Shirai
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Urayasu HospitalUrayasuChibaJapan
| | - Yukihiro Shoyama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagasaki International UniversitySaseboNagasakiJapan
| | - Hiromitsu Tanaka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagasaki International UniversitySaseboNagasakiJapan
| | - Shigeo Horie
- Department of UrologyJuntendo University Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
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Takeshima T, Yumura Y, Yasuda K, Sanjo H, Kuroda S, Yamanaka H, Iwasaki A. Inverse correlation between reactive oxygen species in unwashed semen and sperm motion parameters as measured by a computer-assisted semen analyzer. Asian J Androl 2018; 19:350-354. [PMID: 26975485 PMCID: PMC5427793 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.173933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the correlation between sperm motion parameters obtained by a computer-assisted semen analyzer and levels of reactive oxygen species in unwashed semen. In total, 847 patients, except for azoospermic patients were investigated. At the time of each patient's first consultation, semen parameters were measured using SMAS™ or CellSoft 3000™, and production of reactive oxygen species was measured using a computer-driven LKB Wallac Luminometer 1251 Analyzer. The patients were divided into two groups: reactive oxygen species - positive and negative. The semen parameters within each group were measured using one of the two computer-assisted semen analyzer systems and then compared. Correlations between reactive oxygen species levels and sperm motion parameters in semen from the reactive oxygen species - positive group were also investigated. Reactive oxygen species were detected in semen samples of 282 cases (33.3%). Sperm concentration (P < 0.01; P < 0.01), motility (P < 0.01; P < 0.05), and progressive motility (P < 0.01; P < 0.01) were markedly lower in the reactive oxygen species - positive group than in the reactive oxygen species - negative group. Among the sperm motion parameters in the reactive oxygen species - positive group, sperm concentration (P < 0.01; P < 0.01), motility (P < 0.05; P < 0.01), mALH (P < 0.05; P < 0.01), and progressive motility (P < 0.05; P < 0.01) also showed inverse correlations with the logarithmic transformed reactive oxygen species levels. Therefore, this study demonstrated that excessive reactive oxygen species in semen damage sperm concentration, motility, and other sperm motion parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teppei Takeshima
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasushi Yumura
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kengo Yasuda
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sanjo
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yamanaka
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akira Iwasaki
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.,YMRAC Urology Office, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
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8
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Lee W, Choi JH, Ryu S, Jung D, Song J, Lee JS, Joo C. Color-coded LED microscopy for quantitative phase imaging: Implementation and application to sperm motility analysis. Methods 2018; 136:66-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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9
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Takeshima T, Yumura Y, Kuroda S, Kawahara T, Uemura H, Iwasaki A. Effect of density gradient centrifugation on reactive oxygen species in human semen. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2017; 63:192-198. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2017.1294214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Teppei Takeshima
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasushi Yumura
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Kawahara
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroji Uemura
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akira Iwasaki
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Japan
- YMRAC Urology Office, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Japan
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Sørensen SR, Gallego V, Pérez L, Butts IAE, Tomkiewicz J, Asturiano JF. Evaluation of Methods to Determine Sperm Density for the European eel,Anguilla anguilla. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 48:936-44. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- SR Sørensen
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources; Technical University of Denmark; Charlottenlund Denmark
| | - V Gallego
- Grupo de Acuicultura y Biodiversidad; Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal; Universitat Politècnica de València; Valencia Spain
| | - L Pérez
- Grupo de Acuicultura y Biodiversidad; Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal; Universitat Politècnica de València; Valencia Spain
| | - IAE Butts
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources; Technical University of Denmark; Charlottenlund Denmark
| | - J Tomkiewicz
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources; Technical University of Denmark; Charlottenlund Denmark
| | - JF Asturiano
- Grupo de Acuicultura y Biodiversidad; Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal; Universitat Politècnica de València; Valencia Spain
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Which fields under a coverslip should one assess to estimate sperm motility? Theriogenology 2012; 77:1686-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2011] [Revised: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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MATSUURA K, KURODA Y, YAMASHITA K, FUNAHASHI H. Hydrophobic Silicone Elastomer Chamber for Recording Trajectories of Motile Porcine Sperms without Adsorption. J Reprod Dev 2011; 57:163-7. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.10-075n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Koji MATSUURA
- Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University
| | - Yuka KURODA
- Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University
| | - Keisuke YAMASHITA
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University
| | - Hiroaki FUNAHASHI
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Technologies, Okayama University
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Akashi T, Watanabe A, Komiya A, Fuse H. Evaluation of the sperm motility analyzer system (SMAS) for the assessment of sperm quality in infertile men. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2010; 56:473-7. [PMID: 20662592 DOI: 10.3109/19396361003786293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Eighty-one fresh semen samples were analyzed to compare the sperm parameters obtained using the new Sperm Motility Analysis System (SMAS; version 1.0, Kaga Electronics, Tokyo, Japan) with the CellSoft(TM) Series 3000 (CRYO Resources, New York, USA) computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system and conventional manual semen analysis, based on WHO guidelines.. Significant correlations of sperm concentration (p<0.0001) and sperm motility (p<0.0001) were observed between SMAS and manual semen analysis estimates. There were also significant correlations of sperm concentration (p=0.0003) and sperm motility (p<0.0001) between SMAS and CellSoft estimates. Significant correlations for motility-related parameters were demonstrated in sperm velocity (p<0.0001), and linearity (linear velocity (VSL) divided by curvilinear velocity (VCL)×100) (p<0.0001), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) (p<0.0001), and beat/cross frequency (BCF) (p=0.0127), between SMAS and CellSoft estimates. In this study, we showed the usefulness of the new SMAS, which has high reliability in estimating sperm concentration, sperm motility, velocity and linearity compared with CellSoft. SMAS can be a promising alternative, providing cost-effective semen analysis with the utility of the CASA system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Akashi
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences for Research, University of Toyama and Department of Urology, Takaoka City Hospital, Toyama, Japan.
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Ablation of the scaffold protein JLP causes reduced fertility in male mice. Transgenic Res 2008; 17:1045-58. [PMID: 18574703 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-008-9191-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2007] [Accepted: 05/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The specific and efficient activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling modules is mediated, at least in part, by scaffold proteins. c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK)-associated leucine zipper protein (JLP) was identified as a scaffold protein for JNK and p38 MAPK signaling modules. JLP is expressed nearly ubiquitously and is involved in intracellular signaling pathways, such as the G(alpha13) and Cdo-mediated pathway, in vitro. To date, however, JLP expression has not been analyzed in detail, nor are its physiological functions well understood. Here we investigated the expression of JLP in the mouse testis during development. Of the tissues examined, JLP was strongest in the testis, with the most intense staining in the elongated spermatids. Since the anti-JLP antibody used in this study can recognize both JLP and sperm-associated antigen 9 (SPAG9), a splice variant of JLP that has been studied extensively in primates, we also examined its expression in macaque testis samples. Our results indicated that in mouse and primate testis, the isoform expressed at the highest level was JLP, not SPAG9. We also investigated the function of JLP by disrupting the Jlp gene in mice, and found that the male homozygotes were subfertile. Taken together, these observations may suggest that JLP plays an important role in testis during development, especially in the production of functionally normal spermatozoa.
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