Centrosome linker protein C-Nap1 maintains stem cells in mouse testes

The centrosome linker component C-Nap1 (encoded by CEP250) anchors filaments to centrioles that provide centrosome cohesion by connecting the two centrosomes of an interphase cell into a single microtubule organizing unit. The role of the centrosome linker during development of an animal remains enigmatic. Here, we show that male CEP250(-/-) mice are sterile because sperm production is abolished. Premature centrosome separation means that germ stem cells in CEP250(-/-) mice fail to establish an E-cadherin polarity mark and are unable to maintain the older mother centrosome on the basal site of the seminiferous tubules. This failure prompts premature stem cell differentiation in expense of germ stem cell expansion. The concomitant induction of apoptosis triggers the complete depletion of germ stem cells and consequently infertility. Our study reveals a role for centrosome cohesion in asymmetric cell division, stem cell maintenance, and fertility.

Automated summary

This study reveals the importance of centrosome cohesion in sperm production, stem cell maintenance, and fertility. Disruption of centrosome cohesion in these mice prevents the formation of sperm and leads to asymmetric cell division and premature stem cell differentiation, ultimately resulting in infertility.