HANP1/H1T2, a novel histone H1-like protein involved in nuclear formation and sperm fertility.

ABSTRACT: We cloned a testis-specific cDNA from mice that encodes a histone H1-like, haploid germ cell-specific nuclear protein designated HANP1/H1T2. The HANP1/H1T2 protein was specifically localized to the nuclei of murine spermatids during differentiation steps 5 to 13 but not to the nuclei of mature sperm. HANP1/H1T2 contains an arginine-serine-rich domain and an ATP/GTP binding site, and it binds to DNA, ATP, and protamine. To investigate the physiological role of HANP1/H1T2, we generated Hanp1/H1T2-disrupted mutant mice. Homozygous Hanp1/H1T2 mutant males were infertile, but females were fertile. Although a substantial number of sperm were recovered from the epididymides, their shape and function were abnormal. During sperm morphogenesis, the formation of nuclei was disturbed and protamine-1 a

SUBMITTER: Tanaka H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1190238 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature