Loss of Zona Pellucida Binding Proteins in the Acrosomal Matrix Disrupts Acrosome Biogenesis and Sperm Morphogenesis

• DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01029-07
• Publication Date: 2007-07-31T00:59:27Z
• Authors: Yi-Nan Lin; Angshumoy Roy; Wei Yan; Kathleen H. Burns; Martin M. Matzuk
• Keywords: Spermiogenesis; Spermatid; Spermatozoon; Gamete; Acrosome reaction

Zona pellucida binding protein 1 (ZPBP1), a spermatid and spermatozoon that localizes to the acrosome, was originally identified in pigs named for its oocyte zona pellucida.In an silico search germ cell-specific genes, Zpbp1 novel paralog, Zpbp2, were discovered confirmed be expressed only testes both mice humans.To study vivo functions of ZPBP proteins, we disrupted Zpbp2 mice.Males lacking ZPBP1 sterile, with abnormal round-headed sperm morphology no forward motility.Ultrastructural studies demonstrated absence prevents proper acrosome compaction, resulting fragmentation disruption Sertoli-spermatid junctions.Males null ZPBP2 subfertile, aberrant acrosomal membrane invaginations, produced dysmorphic reduced ability penetrate pellucida.Molecular phylogenetic analysis ZPBPs from amphibians, birds, mammals suggests these paralogous genes coevolved play cooperative roles during spermiogenesis.Whereas vitro role sperm-egg interactions, have shown proteins earlier structural spermiogenesis.