Back to Search
Start Over
The expression characteristics of FAM71D and its association with sperm motility.
- Source :
- Human Reproduction; Nov2017, Vol. 32 Issue 11, p2178-2187, 10p, 1 Diagram, 4 Graphs
- Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- <bold>Study Question: </bold>What are the features of FAM71D (Family with sequence similarity 71, member D) expression and is there an association between FAM71D expression and sperm motility?<bold>Summary Answer: </bold>FAM71D, a novel protein exclusively expressed in the testis, is located in sperm flagella and is functionally involved in sperm motility.<bold>What Is Known Already: </bold>Some testis-specific proteins have been reported as potential diagnostic biomarkers to evaluate the spermatogenesis process and sperm quality. We have identified a novel testis-specific protein, FAM71D, through microarray data analysis, yet little is known about its expression and function.<bold>Study Design, Size, Duration: </bold>FAM71D mRNA and protein expression was quantified during mouse testis development. Its localization in germ cells was detected by dual-labeled immunostaining in testis sections and sperm smears. The clinical significance was assessed by comparing FAM71D expression in spermatozoa from normozoospermic controls and asthenozoospermic patients.<bold>Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: </bold>Testes were dissected from C57BL/6 J male mice at postnatal ages of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 weeks and 6 months, and sperm was collected from cauda epididymides of adult mice by the swim-up method. Human spermatozoa were isolated from 100 human semen samples by density gradient Percoll centrifugation. RT-qPCR and western blot were performed to semi-quantify the expression of FAM71D in mouse testis, and in the ejaculated spermatozoa of normozoospermic controls and asthenozoospermic patients. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the localization of FAM71D. Co-immunoprecipitation assay was performed to evaluate the interaction between FAM71D and calmodulin. An antibody blocking assay was employed to assess the role of FAM71D in sperm motility.<bold>Main Results and the Role Of Chance: </bold>Our results showed that FAM71D was exclusively expressed in the testis in an age-dependent manner. FAM71D expression exhibited dynamic change in the cytoplasm of spermatids during spermiogenesis and was finally retained in sperm flagella. FAM71D could interact with calmodulin. Use of anti-FAM71D antibody on sperm significantly decreased sperm motility. Expression level of FAM71D was markedly reduced in the ejaculated spermataozoa of asthenozoospermic patients (P < 0.05), and this was correlated with sperm progressive motility (r = 0.7435, P < 0.0001).<bold>Large Scale Data: </bold>N/A.<bold>Limitations, Reasons For Caution: </bold>The sample size was limited and it is necessary to verify the correlation of FAM71D expression with sperm motility in larger cohorts. Furthermore, our results were descriptive and follow-up studies would be needed to elucidate the detailed role of FAM71D in sperm motility.<bold>Wider Implications Of the Findings: </bold>This is the first systematic study to document the expression of endogenous FAM71D and a function for FAM71D in sperm motility. It provides new insights into our understanding of sperm motility regulation and causes of male infertility.<bold>Study Funding/competing Interests: </bold>This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Guangdong Natural Science Foundation and the Shenzhen Project of Science and Technology. The authors have no competing interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 02681161
- Volume :
- 32
- Issue :
- 11
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Human Reproduction
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 125916536
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dex290