Garin3, also known as a member of the Golgi Associated RAB2 Interactors (GARINs; FAM71) protein family, has a RAB2-binding domain. It is involved in the process of sperm head morphogenesis, a crucial aspect for male fertility. The GARIN family proteins are predominantly expressed in the testis, and RAB2 is responsible for membrane transport and vesicle trafficking [1].

Gene knockout (KO) mouse models of Garin3 were generated to study its function. Garin3 -/- male mice were found to be infertile, with abnormal acrosomal morphology in their spermatozoa. Additionally, the amounts of membrane proteins, particularly ADAM family proteins, decreased in Garin3 KO spermatozoa [1].

In conclusion, through the use of KO mouse models, Garin3 has been shown to be essential for male fertility in mice, specifically by ensuring correct sperm head morphogenesis and maintaining normal levels of certain membrane proteins in spermatozoa. This research on Garin3 in KO mouse models contributes to understanding the mechanisms underlying male infertility [1].

References:

1. Wang, Haoting, Iida-Norita, Rie, Mashiko, Daisuke, Miyata, Haruhiko, Ikawa, Masahito. 2024. Golgi associated RAB2 interactor protein family contributes to murine male fertility to various extents by assuring correct morphogenesis of sperm heads. In PLoS genetics, 20, e1011337. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1011337. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38935810/