• PMID: 26245936
• Gene Name: KIFBP
• Condition: Associated with spermatoid elongation
• Association: Assocaited
• Sex: Male
• Infertility type: Male infertility
• Other associated phenotypes: Associated with spermatoid elongation

KIF1-binding protein interacts with KIF3A in haploid male germ cells

Lehti MS, Kotaja N, Sironen A.

Male fertility relies on the production of functional spermatozoa. Spermatogenesis is a complex differentiation process that is characterized by meiosis and dramatic morphogenesis of haploid cells. Spermatogenesis involves active changes in the microtubular network to support meiotic divisions, cell polarization, the reshaping of the nucleus, and the formation of a flagellum. Previously, we have demonstrated that a microtubule-based anterograde transport motor protein KIF3A is required for the sperm tail formation and nuclear shaping during spermatogenesis. In this study, we show that KIF3A interacts with a KIF1-binding protein (KBP) in the mouse testis. We have characterized the expression and localization pattern of KBP during spermatogenesis and localized both KIF3A and KBP in the cytoplasm of round spermatids and manchette of elongating spermatids. Interestingly, KBP localized also in the late chromatoid body (CB) of elongating spermatids, whose function involves intracellular movement and association with the microtubular network. Altogether our results suggest a role for KBP in spermatid elongation and in the function of the late CB. CI - © 2015 Society for Reproduction and Fertility. FAU - Lehti, Mari S AU - Lehti MS AD - Department of PhysiologyInstitute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI-20520 Turku, FinlandNatural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)Green Technology, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland Department of PhysiologyInstitute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI-20520 Turku, FinlandNatural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)Green Technology, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland mari.lehti@luke.fi. FAU - Kotaja, Noora AU - Kotaja N AD - Department of PhysiologyInstitute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI-20520 Turku, FinlandNatural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)Green Technology, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland.