Testis-enriched Asb12 is not required for spermatogenesis and fertility in mice

Abstract

Background: Members of the ankyrin repeat and SOCS box (Asb) family are expressed abundantly in testes. Some Asb genes/proteins are required for spermatogenesis, but the function of Asb12 during spermatogenesis is not clear. We investigated the physiological role of Asb12 in murine testes. Methods:The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 system was used to generate Asb12-knockout (KO) mice. Histology and immunostaining were done to assess the effects of Asb12 KO on mouse testes and epididymides. Semen quality was analyzed using a computerassisted sperm analyzer. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-dUTP nick-end labeling assay was employed to examine testicular apoptosis. Real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted to calculate gene transcription levels.Results: Asb12 was expressed predominantly in murine testes. Immunostaining of Asb12 protein revealed that Asb12 was located specifically in the acrosome of elongated spermatids, which suggested a potential role of Asb12 during spermatogenesis. However, Asb12-KO mice had normal fertility, and no overt difference was detected in testicular morphology, semen quality, or apoptosis when comparing Asb12-KO and Asb12-wild type (WT) mice. Gene expression of several Asb family members was increased significantly in the testes of Asb12-KO mice when compared with that in Asb12-WT mice, which suggested functional compensation from paralogs for Asb12 loss. Conclusions:We demonstrated that Asb12 is not essential for the spermatogenesis and fertility of mice.Our findings will assist researchers in avoiding redundant efforts, and provide a baseline resource for genetic studies on human fertility.

E3 ligase FBXO22 is not significant for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice

“…The reproductive parameter results indicated that Fbxo22 is not required for spermatogenesis or male fertility. Currently, research findings suggest that numerous genes encoding ubiquitin enzymes expressed in the testis are not necessary for mouse fertility (e.g., ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing 12 (Asb12) [25], Asb15 [26], F-box and WD-40 domain protein 17 (Fbxw17) [27]). Our findings eliminate Fbxo22 as a target for contraception and as a factor in male infertility, which can prevent redundant research efforts and save resources in other laboratories.…”

Slc26a1 is not essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice

“…Fertility is an important function, and there may be redundant genes with overlapping functions to ensure stability of individual fertility. Asb-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15 , 17 , and 18 genes are expressed at significantly higher levels in Asb12 -KO mice than in Asb12 -WT mice ( Zhang et al, 2022 ). The Slc26a family is highly conserved, with 11 members in mice (SLC26A10 is a pseudogene in humans).…”

“…At present, study findings indicate that many genes expressed in the testis are dispensable for mouse fertility ( e.g ., FBXW17 ( Chen et al, 2022b ), ASB12 ( Zhang et al, 2022 ), USP26 ( Felipe-Medina et al, 2019 )). Our results exclude SLC26A1 as a contraceptive target and male infertility factor and will help avoid duplication of effort by researchers and save time and money in other laboratories.…”