Prss50, also known as Serine protease 50 or TSP50, is a gene playing a crucial role in spermatogenesis. It is involved in the MKP3/ERK signaling pathway, which is significant for testicular development and sperm quality [1]. It may also be related to centrosome function and the activation of NFκB target genes in the testis [2].

Gene knockout studies in mice have revealed its functions. Prss50 -/- mice showed abnormal spermatid nuclear compression, reduced male fertility, dysplastic seminiferous tubules, decreased sex hormones, meiotic progression defects, and increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. The deletion of Prss50 led to increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and elevated levels of MKP3, potentially accounting for testicular dysplasia [1]. Additionally, Prss50 -null mice had impaired fertility and sperm tail abnormalities, including an increase in acephalic sperm, sperm with multiple heads and tails [2].

In conclusion, Prss50 is essential for testicular development and spermatogenesis, especially in sperm head and tail formation and meiotic progression. The study of Prss50 knockout mouse models has provided important insights into male infertility, highlighting the gene's significance in understanding the mechanisms underlying sperm development and related diseases [1,2].

References:

1. Niu, Chun-Xue, Li, Jia-Wei, Li, Xiao-Li, Wang, Guan-Nan, Bao, Yong-Li. . PRSS50-mediated inhibition of MKP3/ERK signaling is crucial for meiotic progression and sperm quality. In Zoological research, 45, 1037-1047. doi:10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.388. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39147718/

2. Scovell, Jason M, Bournat, Juan C, Szafran, Adam T, Seth, Abhishek, Jorgez, Carolina J. 2021. PRSS50 is a testis protease responsible for proper sperm tail formation and function. In Development (Cambridge, England), 148, . doi:10.1242/dev.197558. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33913480/