Molecular and functional characterization of the novel role of HERC4 in spermiogenesis.

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The long-term goal of our research is to advance our knowledge of the biological functions of the novel family of human HERC proteins. HERCs possess two unique structural features called an RLD and a HECT domain that are thought to have evolved from a fusion event between different genes very early in animal evolution. There is a remarkably high degree of homology among HERC proteins from evolutionarily diverse species, implying that the functions of this family of proteins are conserved throughout the animal kingdom. Our short-term goal is to develop a model system that can be used to evaluate the functions of all human HERC proteins. Our current focus is on HERC4 since it is the oldest gene of the herc family, from which all other herc members were derived. The biological role of human HERC4 is unknown; however murine HERC4 is required for proper maturation of sperm in mice and is associated with male infertility in mice. Our research will advance basic knowledge of the biological function of HERC4, which may prove to be a critical factor in one of the most fundamental cellular processes in biology, the development of sperm. Our research will provide insight into why HERC4 is required for the proper development of sperm and why defective HERC4 is associated with male infertility in mice.