Arrdc4-dependent extracellular vesicle biogenesis is required for sperm maturation.

ABSTRACT: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important players in cell to cell communication in reproductive systems. Notably, EVs have been found and characterized in the male reproductive tract, however, direct functional evidence for their importance in mediating sperm function is lacking. We have previously demonstrated that Arrdc4, a member of the α-arrestin protein family, is involved in extracellular vesicle biogenesis and release. Here we show that Arrdc4-mediated extracellular vesicle biogenesis is required for proper sperm function. Sperm from Arrdc4^-/- mice develop normally through the testis but fail to acquire adequate motility and fertilization capabilities through the epididymis, as observed by reduced motility, premature acrosome reaction, reduction in zona pellucida

SUBMITTER: Foot NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8217992 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature