Ccdc28a, a member of the CCDC family proteins, is of significant biological importance. While its exact associated pathways remain further explored, it has crucial functions in male reproduction. Genetic models, especially KO mouse models, have been valuable in studying its role [1,2].

In KO mouse models, Ccdc28a deficiency leads to male infertility. Sperm from Ccdc28a -/- mice show bent sperm heads, acrosomal defects, reduced motility, and decreased in vitro fertilization competence. Although spermatogenesis is mildly affected, the axoneme, outer dense fibers, and fibrous sheath remain normal. Additionally, CCDC28A interacts with SPACA1 and GSK3A, and deficiencies in these proteins also lead to abnormal sperm morphology. Another study also reveals that Ccdc28a deficiency results in sperm tail structural aberrations, specifically affecting the head-tail coupling apparatus (HTCA), causing bending of the head within the neck region and thickening of the tail midpiece [1,2].

In conclusion, Ccdc28a plays an essential role in regulating sperm morphology and motility, thus being crucial for male fertility. The KO mouse models have significantly contributed to understanding its role in male infertility, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for this condition [1,2].

References:

1. Zhou, Hongbin, Zhang, Zhihua, Qu, Ronggui, Sang, Qing, Wang, Lei. 2024. CCDC28A deficiency causes sperm head defects, reduced sperm motility and male infertility in mice. In Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS, 81, 174. doi:10.1007/s00018-024-05184-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38597936/

2. Stojanovic, Nena, Hernández, Rosario Ortiz, Ramírez, Nayeli Torres, Hernández, Abrahan Hernández, Shibuya, Hiroki. 2024. CCDC28A deficiency causes head-tail coupling defects and immotility in murine spermatozoa. In Scientific reports, 14, 26808. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-78453-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39500989/