Abstract
The perinuclear theca (PT) is a cytoskeletal element encapsulating the sperm nucleus; however, our understanding of the physiological roles of PT in sperm is very limited. We show that Calicin interacts with itself and many other PT components, indicating it may serve as an organizing center of the PT assembly. Calicin is detectable first when surrounding the acrosome, then detected around the entire nucleus, and finally translocated to the postacrosomal region of spermatid heads. Intriguingly, loss of Calicin specifically causes surface subsidence of sperm heads in the nuclear condensation stage. Calicin interacts with inner acrosomal membrane (IAM) protein Spaca1 and nuclear envelope (NE) components to form an "IAM-PT-NE" structure. Intriguingly, Ccin-knockout sperm also exhibit DNA damage and failure of fertilization. Our study provides solid animal evidence to suggest that the PT encapsulating sperm nucleus helps shape the sperm head and maintain the nuclear structure.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
