Plcz1 Deficiency Decreased Fertility in Male Mice Which Is Associated with Sperm Quality Decline and Abnormal Cytoskeleton in Epididymis

Phospholipase C zeta1 (Plcz1) was known to be a physiological factor in sperm that activates oocytes to complete meiosis by triggering Ca2+ oscillations after fertilisation. However, the role of male Plcz1 in spermatogenesis and early embryo development in progeny has been controversial. Plcz1 knockout (Plcz1(-/-)) mouse model (Plcz1(m3) and Plcz1(m5)) was generated by using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. The fertility of Plcz1(-/-) mice was evaluated by analysing the number of offsprings, sperm quality, pathological changes in the testis and epididymis. RNA-seq and RT-PCR were performed to screen differentially expressed genes and signalling pathways related to fertility in Plcz1(-/-) mice. Further mechanism was explored by using Plcz1(-/-) cells. Plcz1 knockout led to hypofertility in male mice. In particular, a significant time delay in development and polyspermy was found in eggs fertilized by both Plcz1(m3) and Plcz1(m5) sperm. Interestingly, a decline in sperm quality combined with pathological changes in epididymis was found in Plcz1(m3) mice but not in Plcz1(m5) mice. Notably, abnormal cytoskeleton appears in epididymis of Plcz1(m3) mice and Plcz1(-/-) cells. Cytoskeleton damage of epididymis is involved in fertility decline of males upon Plcz1 deficiency in this model.

Automated summary

Phospholipase C zeta 1 (Plcz1) is a physiological factor in sperm that activates oocytes through Ca2+ oscillations. The role of Plcz1 in spermatogenesis and early embryo development has been debated. In this study, Plcz1 knockout mice were generated and evaluated for fertility, sperm quality, and pathological changes. RNA-seq and RT-PCR were used to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways. Plcz1 deficiency led to male hypofertility, delayed embryo development, and increased polyspermy. Moreover, Plcz1(m3) mice showed decreased sperm quality and epididymis damage, while Plcz1(m5) mice did not. Abnormal cytoskeleton in the epididymis was associated with decreased fertility in Plcz1 deficient males.