LCRMP-1 is required for spermatogenesis and stabilises spermatid F-actin organization via the PI3K-Akt pathway

Long-form collapsin response mediator protein-1 (LCRMP-1) belongs to the CRMP family which comprises brain-enriched proteins responsible for axon guidance. However, its role in spermatogenesis remains unclear. Here we find that LCRMP-1 is abundantly expressed in the testis. To characterize its physiological function, we generate LCRMP-1-deficient mice (Lcrmp-1(−/−)). These mice exhibit aberrant spermiation with apoptotic spermatids, oligospermia, and accumulation of immature testicular cells, contributing to reduced fertility. In the seminiferous epithelial cycle, LCRMP-1 expression pattern varies in a stage-dependent manner. LCRMP-1 is highly expressed in spermatids during spermatogenesis and especially localized to the spermiation machinery during spermiation. Mechanistically, LCRMP-1 deficiency causes disorganized F-actin due to unbalanced signaling of F-actin dynamics through upregulated PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling. In conclusion, LCRMP-1 maintains spermatogenesis homeostasis by modulating cytoskeleton remodeling for spermatozoa release.