DCUN1D2 is insignificant for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice

Defective in cullin neddylation 1 domain containing 2 (DCUN1D2) belongs to the DCNLs family and can induce cell growth arrest and is also related to neddylation. While its potential role in spermatogenesis is hypothesized, the functional significance of DCUN1D2 in male germ cells remains undefined. To investigate this, germ cell and Sertoli cell-specific Dcun1d2-knockouts were generated. Sperm parameters were analyzed via computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), while histological and immunofluorescence staining were employed to evaluate spermatogenic progression and apoptosis. Compared with the control group, Dcun1d2 conditional knockout (cKO) mice exhibited no significant differences in histology, semen quality, sperm apoptosis or fertility tests. This study indicated that DCUN1D2 has no significant effect on mouse spermatogenesis or male fertility. These findings will help avoid redundant studies and provide new information for the study of human fertility genes.