deletion results in spermatogenic impairment, sperm morphological defects, and infertility in mice.

PURPOSE

Spermatogenesis is a complex process orchestrated by several essential genes. (/PROM1) is a gene that is expressed in the testis but with a poorly understood role in spermatogenesis.

METHODS

We used knockout ( KO) mice to assess the role of in spermatogenesis. To this end, we performed immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blotting, β-galactosidase staining, and apoptosis assay. Additionally, we analyzed the morphology of sperm and assessed litter sizes.

RESULTS

We observed that PROM1 is localized to the dividing spermatocytes in seminiferous epithelial cells, sperm, and columnar epithelium in the epididymis. In the KO testis, an aberrant increase in apoptotic cells and a decrease in proliferating seminiferous epithelial cells were observed. Cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) expression were also significantly decreased in KO testis. In addition, a significantly increased number of epididymal spermatozoa with abnormal morphology and less motility was found in KO mice.

CONCLUSIONS

PROM1 maintains spermatogenic cell proliferation and survival via c-FLIP expression in the testis. It is also involved in sperm motility and fertilization potential. The mechanism underlying the effect of Prom1 on sperm morphology and motility remains to be identified.