THE FUNCTION OF CENTRIOLE PROTEIN POC1B IN THE RABBIT SPERM

This project's goal is to provide the first insights into the essential functions of sperm centrioles using a novel genetic model with sperm that has had its centriole dynamics disabled. We will accomplish this through two main objectives: (1) Characterize the sperm centriole composition and structure of POC1B mutant rabbits; (2) Identify the role of POC1B in sperm behavior. Our central hypothesis is that POC1B is essential for sperm centrioles and sperm behavior. We will utilize state-of-the-art microscopy to examine the sperm composition, structure, and movement, which is synergistic to our work on identifying the structure and dynamics of cattle sperm centrioles and the development of centriole quality assays. These objectives will be carried out in the following four activities.Activity 1 - Determine the relative localization of centriolar biomarkersActivity 2 - Determine role of POC1B on the structure of the sperm centriolesActivity 3 - Determine the POC1B's role in sperm neck dynamicsActivity 4 - Determine POC1B's role in sperm swimming