CCDC113 stabilizes sperm axoneme and head-tail coupling apparatus to ensure male fertility.

The structural integrity of the sperm is crucial for male fertility, defects in sperm head-tail linkage and flagellar axoneme are associated with acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS) and the multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). Notably, impaired head-tail coupling apparatus (HTCA) often accompanies defects in the flagellum structure, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive. Here, we identified an evolutionarily conserved coiled-coil domain-containing (CCDC) protein, CCDC113, and found the disruption of CCDC113 produced spermatozoa with disorganized sperm flagella and HTCA, which caused male infertility.

Resveratrol reliefs DEHP-induced defects during human decidualization.

Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is widely used as an additive in many plastic products. Studies have revealed that DEHP persistent exposure can affect embryonic development and lead to adverse female reproductive disorders. The establishment of pregnancy involves extensive changes in the endometrial tissue, including massive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling.

Molecular Mechanism of Mouse Uterine Smooth Muscle Regulation on Embryo Implantation.

Myometrium plays critical roles in multiple processes such as embryo spacing through peristalsis during mouse implantation, indicating vital roles of smooth muscle in the successful establishment and quality of implantation. Actin, a key element of cytoskeleton structure, plays an important role in the movement and contraction of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). However, the function of peri-implantation uterine smooth muscle and the regulation mechanism of muscle tension are still unclear.