Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are transport proteins embedded in the plasma membrane that maintain proper pH in the cell by exporting hydrogen ions (H+) in exchange for extracellular sodium ions (Na+). Previous studies have shown that male mice deficient for the NHE10 protein are completely infertile due to immotile sperm. The most recently discovered isoform, NHE11, is completely uncharacterized beyond the identification of the gene in several mammalian species. Given that the NHE11 and NHE10 genes belong to the same subfamily we hypothesize that NHE11 may be important for maintaining the narrow pH range needed for sperm motility and therefore may be important for male fertility. The overall goal of this project is to characterize the expression of mouse NHE11 and to begin to understand the role that NHE11 plays in sperm physiology and male fertility. After discovering that the expression of NHE11 is limited to the testes in both rats and mice we have begun conducting additional in vitro tests to ensure that the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system we will use to generate NHE11 deficient mice is able to efficiently knockout the gene with minimal off target effects. In the future we also hope to further characterize the NHE11 gene in both humans and rats to get a more complete picture of the role that it plays in male fertility. Overall this research experience has been a highlight of my education at Miami University. Not only have I been able to enhance my understanding of molecular biological processes, but I have been able to work alongside some of the best and brightest professors and mentors out there.
Author: Eric Bejarano
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Paul F. James, Department of Biology
Graduate Student Advisor: Cameron Gardner, Department of Biology
You must be logged in to post a comment.