The expression pattern of SEPT7 correlates with sperm morphology

Abstract

Purpose To investigate the expression pattern of the SEPT7 protein during spermatogenesis and its potential role in sperm function. Methods We first investigated the expression pattern of SEPT7 during different steps of mouse spermiogenesis using an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). IFA was also applied to study the expression pattern of SEPT7 in human ejaculated spermatozoa. Nine fertile men with normal semen parameters were used as the control group, and 21 infertile men with asthenozoospermia were recruited as the patient group. We assessed the frequency of the SEPT7 signal in the various morphological subgroups. Results In humans, the frequency of a defective SEPT7 signal was significantly increased in men with asthenozoospermia. The absence of a SEPT7 signal was more prevalent in sperm containing morphological defects of various types. Conclusions The expression pattern of SEPT7 suggested that this protein may be involved in the regulation of subcellular-compartment formation during spermiogenesis in the mouse. The absence of a SEPT7 signal correlated with multiple sperm defects.

Relationship between absence of annulus and asthenozoospermia in Iranian men

“…In addition, the expression pattern of SEPT7 suggested that this protein may be involved in the regulation of subcellular-compartment formation during spermiogenesis. The absence of a Sept7 signal correlated with multiple sperm defects [13].…”

Septin 7 is required for orderly meiosis in mouse oocytes

“…In mature spermatozoa, the Septin 7 and 12 signals are located at the sperm head, neck and midpiece with scanty signals at the tail. 35,36 The functions of Septin in oocyte meiosis are largely unknown except for our two recent reports on the roles of Septins 1 and 2 in oocyte maturation. 31,32 Septin 7 and Septin 9 were reported to be important in daughter cell segregation in Hela cells.…”

The role of the septin family in spermiogenesis

“…In mature spermatozoa, the SEPT7 and 12 signals are located at the sperm head, neck and midpiece with scanty signals at the tail. 18,19 Considering SEPT 7 and 12 are widely expressed and form ring-like structure in different locations of post-meiotic germ cells, including the peri-acrosome area, peri-nuclear area, midpiece and tail, we hypothesize they are structural proteins involved in the formation of subcellular compartments-head, neck, midpiece and tail, during terminal differentiation of male germ cells. Recent studies show that septins have a role in microtubule-dependent processes, such as karyokinesis, exocytosis and maintenance of cell shape.…”

“…18 Immunofluorescence staining showed SEPT7 and 12 expressions are confined to post-meitoic germ cells in the seminiferous tubules. [18][19][20] During spermiogenesis, SETP7 and 12 filaments start to appear around the acrosome at step 7 of spermiogenesis. At step 10-11 of spermiogenesis, SEPT7 and 12 form a circular structure between the edge of acrosome and the perinuclear mantle of the manchette.…”