A novel mechanism of sperm midpiece epididymal maturation and the role of CCDC112 in sperm midpiece formation and establishing an optimal flagella waveform.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The mitochondrial sheath is a defining feature of mammalian sperm with proposed functions in structural support and energy production for flagella movement. Recently, coiled coil domain containing (CCDC) protein 112 (CCDC112) was suggested to play a role in the regulation of ciliogenesis. CCDC112 is a poorly characterised protein and there is virtually no knowledge of its in vivo function.

Methods

Here, we define CCDC112 as crucial for male fertility using a Ccdc112 loss-of-function mouse line. To characterize and analyze male fertility, and to identify a novel process of epididymal midpiece maturation, we utilized a range of assays including fertility testing, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution sperm motility and power output analysis, in vitro fertili

SUBMITTER: Graffeo ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12218091 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature