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FAM170B, a novel acrosomal protein involved in fertilization in mice
Author(s) -
Li Yuchi,
Lin Shouren,
Luo Manling,
Guo Huan,
Chen Jianbo,
Ma Qian,
Gu Yanli,
Jiang Zhimao,
Gui Yaoting
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.22523
Subject(s) - acrosome , biology , spermiogenesis , spermatid , microbiology and biotechnology , golgi apparatus , immunoprecipitation , acrosome reaction , human fertilization , sperm , genetics , nucleus , gene , endoplasmic reticulum
SUMMARY The acrosome is a specialized organelle that covers the anterior region of the sperm nucleus, and plays an essential role in mammalian fertilization. Although acrosome biogenesis is an important aspect of spermiogenesis, the molecular mechanism that regulates this event remains unknown. In the present study, we identified a novel gene, Fam170b (family with sequence similarity 170, member B), exclusively expressed in mouse testes. Fam170b expression first started at postnatal week 3, and increased in an age‐dependent manner until plateauing in adulthood. Immunofluorescence staining revealed its enrichment in round spermatids, and redistribution to a perinuclear spot adjacent to the Golgi and the acrosome of elongating spermatids and spermatozoa; this localization was shared between mouse and human spermatozoa. Anti‐FAM170B antibody was remarkably found to inhibit murine in vitro fertilization, specifically blocking the acrosome reaction. We further determined that FAM170B interacts with GOPC (Golgi‐associated PDZ and coiled‐coil motif containing protein) during acrosome formation, as verified by immunofluorescence and co‐immunoprecipitation assays. Thus, we document the expression and function for the endogenous acrosomal protein FAM170B during spermiogenesis and fertilization. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 787–796, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc .