RIM-BP3 is a manchette-associated protein essential for spermiogenesis

• DOI: 10.1242/dev.030858
• Publication Date: 2008-12-18T01:25:04Z
• Authors: Jing Zhou; Ya-Rui Du; Wei-Hua Qin; Ye-Guang Hu; Yan-Nv Huang; Lan Bao; Daishu Han; Ahmed Mansouri; Guo-Liang Xu
• Keywords: Spermiogenesis; Spermatid; Ectopic expression

During spermiogenesis, round spermatids are converted into motile sperm in mammals. The mechanisms responsible for morphogenesis poorly understood. We have characterized a novel protein, RIM-BP3, with specialized function spermatid development mice. RIM-BP3 protein is associated the manchette, transient microtubular structure believed to be important during spermiogenesis. Targeted deletion of gene resulted male infertility owing abnormal heads, which by deformed nucleus and detached acrosome. Consistent its role morphogenesis, physically associates Hook1, known manchette-bound required head morphogenesis. Interestingly, does not interact truncated Hook1 azh (abnormal spermatozoon head) mutant Moreover, mice display several common abnormalities, particular regard ectopic positioning manchette within spermatid, presumed cause deformities. These observations suggest an essential through interaction Hook1. As occurrence one abnormalities leading malfunctional sperm, identification might provide insight molecular cue underlying causes humans.