The protein YWHAE (14 ‐3‐3 epsilon) in spermatozoa is essential for male fertility

In this study, we investigated the roles of 14‐3‐3η and 14‐3‐3ε isoforms in spermatogenesis.Materials and methodsTo study the in vivo function of 14 ‐3‐3η and 14‐3‐3ε in spermatogenesis, we generated testis‐specific and global knockout mice for each of 14‐3‐3η and 14‐3‐3ε isoforms (CKO and GKO, respectively). Computer‐assisted semen analysis was used to assess sperm motility, while immunohistochemical studies were conduct ed to check spermatogenesis.ResultsAlthough both 14 ‐3‐3η and 14‐3‐3ε isoforms were present in mouse testis, only the expression of 14‐3‐3ε, but not 14‐3‐3η, was detected in spermatozoa. Mice lacking 14‐3‐3η were normal and fertile while 14‐3‐3ε CKO and GKO males showed infertility. Low sperm count with higher abnormal s permatozoa was seen in 14‐3‐3ε CKO mice. The motility of 14‐3‐3ε knockout spermatozoa was lower than that of the control. A reduction in the phosphorylation of both glycogen synthase kinase 3 and PP1γ2 was also seen in spermatozoa from 14‐3‐3ε CKO mice, suggesting a specific role of 14‐3‐3ε in spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and fertility.Discussion and conclusionThis is the first demonstration that of the seven 14 ‐3‐3 isoforms, 14‐3‐3ε is essential for normal sperm function and male fertility.
Source: Andrology - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research