A novel CCDC112-dependent process of sperm midpiece formation and epididymal maturation.

The sperm mitochondrial sheath has proposed functions in structural support and energy production for motility. Here we define coiled coil domain containing protein 112, CCDC112, as crucial for male fertility, specifically in the assembly and function of the mitochondrial sheath. We unveiled a previously unrecognised process of epididymal mitochondrial sheath maturation.

AXDND1 is required to balance spermatogonial commitment and for sperm tail formation in mice and humans.

Dynein complexes are large, multi-unit assemblies involved in many biological processes via their critical roles in protein transport and axoneme motility. Using next-generation sequencing of infertile men presenting with low or no sperm in their ejaculates, we identified damaging variants in the dynein-related gene AXDND1. We thus hypothesised that AXDND1 is a critical regulator of male fertility.

Genetic mutation of results in male infertility due to abnormal sperm tail composition.

The transition zone is a specialised gate at the base of cilia/flagella, which separates the ciliary compartment from the cytoplasm and strictly regulates protein entry. We identified a potential new regulator of the male germ cell transition zone, CEP76. We demonstrated that CEP76 was involved in the selective entry and incorporation of key proteins required for sperm function and fertility into the ciliary compartment and ultimately the sperm tail.

Recent advances in reproductive research in Australia and New Zealand: highlights from the Annual Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Biology, 2022.

In 2022, the Society for Reproductive Biology came together in Christchurch New Zealand (NZ), for its first face-to-face meeting since the global COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting showcased recent advancements in reproductive research across a diverse range of themes relevant to human health and fertility, exotic species conservation, and agricultural breeding practices. Here, we highlight the key advances presented across the main themes of the meeting, including advances in addressing opportunities and challenges in reproductive health related to First Nations people in Australia and NZ; increasing conservation success of exotic species, including ethical management of invasive species; improvements in our understanding of developmental biology, specifically seminal fluid signalling, ovarian development and effects of environmental impacts such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals; and leveraging scientific breakthroughs in reproductive engineering to drive solutions for fertility, including in assisted reproductive technologies in humans and agricultural industries, and for regenerative medicine.