IZUMO family member 3, IZUMO3, is involved in male fertility through the acrosome formation

Many factors are involved in acrosome biogenesis in order for appropriate acrosome formation to occur. Here, we demonstrate that IZUMO family member 3, IZUMO3, plays an important role in acrosome biogenesis, as proven by gene disruption experiments. A loss of IZUMO3 in round spermatids affects acrosomal granule positioning due to lack of acrosomal granule contact with the inner acrosomal membrane, leading to the formation of grossly malformed spermatozoa associated with male subfertility. Thus, we suggest that mammalian spermiogenesis needs an elaborate acrosome biogenesis through IZUMO3 involvement.

Automated summary

IZUMO family member 3 (IZUMO3) plays a crucial role in acrosome biogenesis, and its loss results in malformed spermatozoa and male subfertility. Therefore, the involvement of IZUMO3 in spermiogenesis requires elaborate acrosome formation.