TY - JOUR T1 - Redox regulation by TXNRD3 during epididymal maturation underlies capacitation-associated mitochondrial activation and sperm motility in mice JF - bioRxiv DO - 10.1101/2021.07.19.452987 SP - 2021.07.19.452987 AU - Huafeng Wang AU - Qianhui Dou AU - Kyung Jo Jung AU - Jungmin Choi AU - Vadim N. Gladyshev AU - Jean-Ju Chung Y1 - 2021/01/01 UR - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2021/07/20/2021.07.19.452987.abstract N2 - During epididymal transit, redox remodeling protects mammalian spermatozoa, preparing them for survival in the subsequent journey to fertilization. However, molecular mechanisms of redox regulation in sperm development and maturation remain largely elusive. In this study, we report that TXNRD3, a thioredoxin reductase family member particularly abundant in elongating spermatids at the site of mitochondrial sheath formation, regulates redox homeostasis to support male reproduction. Using Txnrd3-/- mice, our biochemical, ultrastructural, and live cell imaging analyses revealed impairments in sperm morphology and motility under conditions of TXNRD3 deficiency. We reveal that mitochondria develop more defined cristae during capacitation in wild type sperm. Absence of TXNRD3 alters redox status in both the head and tail during sperm maturation and capacitation, resulting in defective mitochondrial ultrastructure and activity under capacitating conditions. These findings provide insights into molecular mechanisms of redox homeostasis and bioenergetics during sperm maturation, capacitation, and fertilization.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest. ER -