The association of ODF4 with AK1 and AK2 in mice is essential for fertility through its contribution to flagellar shape

Normal sperm flagellar shape and movement are essential for fertilization. The integral protein outer dense fiber 4 (ODF4) localizes to ODFs, but its function remains unclear. Adenylate kinase (AK) is a phosphotransferase that catalyzes the interconversion and controls the concentration equilibrium of adenine nucleotides. AK shuttles ATP to energy-consuming sites. Here, we report on the relationship of flagellar shape and movement with ODF4, AK1 and AK2 by using Odf4-deletion (Odf4(-/-)) mice. Soluble ODF4 is coimmunoprecipitated with AK1 and AK2 in Odf4(+/+) spermatozoa. ODF4, AK1 and AK2 localize to whole flagella (plasmalemma, mitochondria, ODFs, and residual cytoplasmic droplets (CDs)), principal pieces, and midpieces, respectively. Odf4(-/-) sperm flagella lose ODF4 and reduce AK1 and AK2 but produce ATP. The flagellum is bent (hairpin flagellum) with a large CD in the midpiece. There is no motility in the midpiece, but the principal piece is motile. Odf4(-/-) spermatozoa progress backward and fail to ascend in the uterus. Thus, Odf4(-/-) males are infertile owing to abnormal flagellar shape and movement caused mainly by the loss of ODF4 with AK1 and AK2. This study is supported by the rescue experiment; the abnormalities and male infertility caused by Odf4 deletion were reversed by Odf4 restoration.

Automated summary

Normal sperm flagellar shape and movement are crucial for fertilization. The proteins ODF4, AK1, and AK2 play important roles in the morphology and function of sperm flagella. Deletion of ODF4 leads to abnormal flagellar shape and movement, resulting in male infertility. This study demonstrates the relationship between ODF4, AK1, and AK2 in regulating flagellar structure and function.