Male germ cells with Bag5 deficiency show reduced spermiogenesis and exchange of basic nuclear proteins.

ABSTRACT: Bcl-2 associated athanogene-5 (BAG5) represents a unique BAG cochaperone family member, regulating chaperone activity. We first demonstrated significant differences in Bag5 expression by RNA seq analysis of teratozoospermia and healthy male sperm samples, but the genetic and molecular mechanisms governing this process remain elusive. We further found that BAG5 has highest expression in human and mouse testes. BAG5 expression is elevated in late stage pachytene spermatocytes and spermatids. Targeted Bag5 inactivation in mice induces massive apoptosis in male germ cells and abrogates male infertility. The ordered loading of sperm basic nuclear proteins on chromatin is altered, with lost TNPs and PRMs, resulting in severe sperm head deformity and partial 9 + 2 microtubule structure disorder.

SUBMITTER: Cao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11850669 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature