Fig. 8: Working model depicts how PCM1 regulates spermiogenesis and embryo development.
From: PCM1 orchestrates centrosomal and flagellar protein transport to promote sperm maturation
During spermatid elongation, PCM1 governs the correct transport of centrosomal proteins (e.g. CEP72 and CEP131) and flagellar proteins (e.g. CCDC39 and DRC1), in an IMT-dependent manner, to facilitate centrosome remodeling and flagellogenesis (enlarged intramanchette transport square), thus ensuring proper sperm maturation and embryo development. PCM1 dysfunction disrupts the expression and transition of these important structure proteins and impairs sperm maturation. Such defects in paternal centrosome integrity consequently lead to embryonic developmental arrest, even when ICSI is applied to bypass fertilization barrier. These findings establish a functional continuum between spermiogenesis and embryogenesis, wherein germ cell centrosome homeostasis exerts latent influence on post-fertilization development. This figure was originally created by the authors using Adobe Illustrator. The elements of round spermatid and HTCA were referenced from Wang et al.62 and Shen et al.16, respectively.
