Journal article

Epididymal cysteine-rich secretory proteins are required for epididymal sperm maturation and optimal sperm function

J Hu, DJ Merriner, AE O'Connor, BJ Houston, L Furic, MP Hedger, MK O'Bryan

Molecular Human Reproduction | OXFORD UNIV PRESS | Published : 2018

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION: What is the role of epididymal cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) in male fertility? SUMMARY ANSWER: While epididymal CRISPs are not absolutely required for male fertility, they are required for optimal sperm function. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: CRISPs are members of the CRISP, Antigen 5 and Pathogenesis related protein 1 (CAP) superfamily and are characterized by the presence of an N-terminal CAP domain and a C-terminal CRISP domain. CRISPs are highly enriched in the male reproductive tract of mammals, including in the epididymis. Within humans there is one epididymal CRISP, CRISP1, whereas in mice there are two, CRISP1 and CRISP4. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: In order t..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Grants

Awarded by Victorian Cancer Agency


Funding Acknowledgements

Funded in part by a grant to M.K.O.B. from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC, 606562). M.K.O.B. and M.P.H. were recipients of NHMRC Fellowships (APP1058356 and APP1020269). M.P.H. was also supported by the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program. L.F. supported by Department of Health and Human Services acting through the Victorian Cancer Agency (MCRF16007). J.H. was the recipient of a scholarship from the China Scholarship Council.