PIF2025 - Molecular mechanisms of spermiogenesis in mammals - (PID2024-160374NB-I00)

Sperm cells are highly specialized and compartmentalized. They carry a haploid compacted genome in the sperm head, and move actively thanks to a flagellum and energy generated mainly from exogenous substrates. Despite this common cell plan, sperm vary enormously in form and size. To understand how a functional sperm is produced, our project focuses on the molecular basis of spermiogenesis and epididymal maturation. We seek to undersand how post-meiotic round spermatids undergo changes that transform the cells' structure, shape and size, how sperm achieve the competence to move, and how chromatin packaging and shielding is finalized. Using in vivo and in vitro systems the project will address four main objectives: (1) characterization of spermiogenesis steps, (2) exploration of chromatin condensation dynamics, (3) assessment of protein transport into the nucleus during spermiogenesis, and (4) investigation of the impact of sperm chromatin-associated proteins on sperm parameters and function. Research will be carried out in collaboration with national and international groups.