Targeting SKAP2 restores sperm motility and morphology through modulating mitochondrial organization and cytoskeletal remodeling.

ABSTRACT: Sperm motility and morphology are indispensable for sperm-egg interaction and successful fertilization. However, the RNA splicing mechanisms in an m6A-dependent manner regulating spermiogenesis-related genes remain poorly defined, and targeted therapy strategies to restore impaired sperm motility and morphology are lacking. In this study, we identify heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein R (hnRNPR) as a critical m6A-dependent splicing mediator. Pathogenic mutations in HNRNPR cause sperm motility decline, morphological abnormality, and male infertility in both humans and mice. Mechanistically, Hnrnpr mutation disrupts m6A-dependent splicing of Skap2 pre-mRNA, thus impairing cytoskeletal structure and mitochondrial organization in sperm. Consistently, specific knockout of Skap2 in male ger

SUBMITTER: Gan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12727759 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature