Forkhead-associated phosphopeptide binding domain 1 (FHAD1) deficiency impaired murine sperm motility

Abstract

Background Genetic knockout-based studies conducted in mice provide a powerful means of assessing the significance of a gene for fertility. Forkhead-associated phosphopeptide binding domain 1 (FHAD1) contains a conserved FHA domain, that is present in many proteins with phospho-threonine reader activity. How FHAD1 functions in male fertility, however, remains uncertain. Methods Fhad1−/− mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout, after which qPCR was used to evaluate changes in gene expression, with subsequent analyses of spermatogenesis and fertility. The testis phenotypes were also examined using immunofluorescence and histological staining, while sperm concentrations and motility were quantified via computer-aided sperm analysis. Cellular apoptosis was assessed using a TUNEL staining assay. Results The Fhad1−/−mice did not exhibit any abnormal changes in fertility or testicular morphology compared to wild-type littermates. Histological analyses confirmed that the testicular morphology of both Fhad1−/−and Fhad1+/+ mice was normal, with both exhibiting intact seminiferous tubules. Relative to Fhad1+/+ mice, however, Fhad1−/−did exhibit reductions in the total and progressive motility of epididymal sperm. Analyses of meiotic division in Fhad1−/−mice also revealed higher levels of apoptotic death during the first wave of spermatogenesis. Discussion The findings suggest that FHAD1 is involved in both meiosis and the modulation of sperm motility.