EMD-27451

Subtomogram averaging
35.0 Å
EMD-27451 Deposition: 30/06/2022
Map released: 18/01/2023
Last modified: 29/03/2023
Overview 3D View Sample Experiment Validation Volume Browser Additional data Links
Overview 3D View Sample Experiment Validation Volume Browser Additional data Links

EMD-27451

96-nm repeating structure of microtubule doublet 6 from mouse sperm

EMD-27451

Subtomogram averaging
35.0 Å
EMD-27451 Deposition: 30/06/2022
Map released: 18/01/2023
Last modified: 29/03/2023
Overview 3D View Sample Experiment Validation Volume Browser Additional data Links
Sample Organism: Mus musculus
Sample: Microtubule doublet from mouse sperm

Deposition Authors: Chen Z , Greenan AG, Shiozak M, Liu Y , Skinner W, Zhao X, Zhao S, Yan R, Guo C, Yu Z , Lishko PV , Agard DA , Vale RD
In situ cryo-electron tomography reveals the asymmetric architecture of mammalian sperm axonemes.
Chen Z , Greenan GA, Shiozaki M, Liu Y , Skinner WM , Zhao X, Zhao S, Yan R, Yu Z , Lishko PV , Agard DA , Vale RD
(2023) Nat Struct Mol Biol , 30 , 360 - 369
PUBMED: 36593309
DOI: doi:10.1038/s41594-022-00861-0
ISSN: 1545-9985
Abstract:
The flagella of mammalian sperm display non-planar, asymmetric beating, in contrast to the planar, symmetric beating of flagella from sea urchin sperm and unicellular organisms. The molecular basis of this difference is unclear. Here, we perform in situ cryo-electron tomography of mouse and human sperm, providing the highest-resolution structural information to date. Our subtomogram averages reveal mammalian sperm-specific protein complexes within the microtubules, the radial spokes and nexin-dynein regulatory complexes. The locations and structures of these complexes suggest potential roles in enhancing the mechanical strength of mammalian sperm axonemes and regulating dynein-based axonemal bending. Intriguingly, we find that each of the nine outer microtubule doublets is decorated with a distinct combination of sperm-specific complexes. We propose that this asymmetric distribution of proteins differentially regulates the sliding of each microtubule doublet and may underlie the asymmetric beating of mammalian sperm.