Abstract
OBJECTIVES: SPRY (repeats in splA and RyR) domain-containing SOCS (suppressor of cytokine signaling) box protein 1 (SPSB1) is an E3 ligase adaptor protein that has been implicated in various cellular processes and physiological pathways. However, its role in spermatogenesis remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of SPSB1 deficiency on spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice. METHODS: We generated Spsb1 knockout (Spsb1-KO) mice to explore the effects of SPSB1 deficiency on sperm quality. To assess sperm parameters, we utilized computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), which provides precise measurements of sperm motility, concentration, and morphology. Additionally, histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the influence of SPSB1 deficiency on spermatogenesis. RESULTS: Our results showed no significant differences in semen quality, fertility, or histological findings between Spsb1-KO and wild-type (WT) mice. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that SPSB1 is not essential for spermatogenesis or male fertility in mice. These findings provide a valuable resource for future genetic investigations into human fertility and help prevent unnecessary duplication of research efforts in this area.