ELAPOR1 is a copper-dependent tethering factor driving proacrosomal vesicle fusion during acrosome biogenesis.

ABSTRACT: The acrosome is a crucial organelle essential for sperm function and male fertility. During acrosome biogenesis, numerous proacrosomal vesicles (PAVs) are transported to the concave region of the nuclear membrane and fuse to form the acrosome. However, the mechanisms governing the fusion of PAVs to form the acrosome remain poorly understood. Here, we identify endosome-lysosome associated apoptosis and autophagy regulator 1 (ELAPOR1), a conserved protein, as a key factor in PAVs fusion during acrosome biogenesis. Male mice lacking Elapor1 (Elapor1^-/-) are infertile, exhibiting defective acrosome biogenesis and a globozoospermia-like phenotype. Using cryo-electron microscopy revealed that ELAPOR1 forms a square planar homodimer in cis, which assembles into a trans-te

SUBMITTER: Shao T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12337314 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature