Lrriq1, or Leucine-rich repeats and IQ motif containing 1, is a gene that has been associated with plasma inhibin B levels, sperm motility, and fertility. Although the exact associated pathways are not fully elaborated in the provided references, its role in male reproductive-related processes is evident, highlighting its biological importance. Genetic models, such as gene knockout models, can be valuable for studying its function [1,4].

In a study using Lrriq1 knockout mice (Lrriq1-/-mice) generated by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology, Lrriq1-/-male mice had a significantly lower litter size compared to wild-type mice. Sperm motility was also reduced in Lrriq1-/-mice, while sperm count remained unchanged. This was due to increased apoptosis in testicular germ cells and epididymal sperm of Lrriq1-/-mice, indicating that Lrriq1 is essential for fertility by suppressing apoptosis [1]. In roosters, comparative analysis of epididymal transcriptomes suggested that LRRIQ1 is among the candidate genes affecting sperm motility in the epididymis [2]. Additionally, in a study on gastric cancer, LRRIQ1 was found to be closely related to the survival probability of patients, potentially serving as a candidate prognostic biomarker [3]. A GWAS identified the 12q21.31 region, where Lrriq1 is located, as associated with plasma inhibin B levels [4].

In conclusion, Lrriq1 plays a crucial role in male fertility by suppressing apoptosis in testicular germ cells and epididymal sperm, thus affecting sperm motility and litter size. In addition, it may have implications in the survival of gastric cancer patients and is associated with plasma inhibin B levels. The use of Lrriq1 knockout mouse models has provided valuable insights into its functions in reproductive and disease-related processes.

References:

1. Fukutomi, Mayu, Uedono, Chiharu, Fujii, Aki, Sato, Youichi. 2022. Lrriq1 is an essential factor for fertility by suppressing apoptosis. In Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 39, 2647-2657. doi:10.1007/s10815-022-02623-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36129630/

2. Xing, Kai, Chen, Yu, Wang, Liang, Guo, Yong, Sheng, Xihui. 2021. Epididymal mRNA and miRNA transcriptome analyses reveal important genes and miRNAs related to sperm motility in roosters. In Poultry science, 101, 101558. doi:10.1016/j.psj.2021.101558. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34844112/

3. Liu, Xiqiao, Gao, Liying, Ni, Dongqiong, Lu, Yuping, Huang, Xuan. . Candidate genes for predicting the survival of patients with gastric cancer: a study based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. In Translational cancer research, 9, 2599-2608. doi:10.21037/tcr.2020.02.82. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35117619/

4. Sato, Youichi, Tajima, Atsushi, Kiguchi, Misaki, Imoto, Issei, Iwamoto, Teruaki. 2020. Genome-wide association study of semen volume, sperm concentration, testis size, and plasma inhibin B levels. In Journal of human genetics, 65, 683-691. doi:10.1038/s10038-020-0757-3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32341457/