CFAP47 is involved in sperm head–tail coupling via cooperating with Septin12 and SUN5: gene knockout and protein analysis

CONTEXT: Sperm head-tail linkage is essential for maintaining sperm integrity and male fertility. Although CFAP47 is associated with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella, its role in sperm head-tail coupling remains unclear. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the role of CFAP47 in sperm head-tail connection. METHODS: A Cfap47 knockout mouse model was established to assess sperm motility and morphology. Molecular docking, co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays were used to investigate the relationships of CFAP47, Septin12 and SUN5. KEY RESULTS: Cfap47 knockout mice exhibited impaired sperm motility and severe sperm morphological defects, with approximately 70% of sperm displaying abnormal head-tail connection or decapitation. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays demonstrated that CFAP47 cooperates with Septin12 and SUN5. CFAP47 deficiency reduced the protein expression levels and affected their localization at the sperm head-tail junction. CONCLUSIONS: CFAP47 is essential for sperm head-tail coupling. IMPLICATIONS: These findings provide new insight into the molecular basis of sperm head-tail connection.