IGF2BP3 recognizes m⁶A to regulate histone-to-protamine replacement during mouse sperm development.

ABSTRACT: Post-meiotic development of spermatids is under the control of a sophisticated RNA metabolic network, wherein the N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification of mRNA, and proteins that bind to it, exert crucial functions in regulating sperm development from spermatogonia to spermatocytes. However, which m⁶A recognition proteins are involved in male post-meiotic spermiogenesis, and via which regulatory mechanisms, remains largely unknown. Here, we uncover the involvement of the m⁶A reader protein IGF2BP3 in the regulation of post-meiotic spermatid development. Genetic ablation of Igf2bp3 results in spermatogenesis defects, leading to male sub-fertility or even infertility. Mechanistically, IGF2BP3 loss-of-function leads to the excessive translation of its target R

SUBMITTER: Wang D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12811620 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature