Fig. 7. The functional mechanisms underlying CEP128 regulation of male reproduction.

a Heatmap of the results of proteomic analyses of testes from adult male WT, homozygous Cep128 KI, and KO mice. Levels of proteins involved in energy metabolism and reproduction were significantly reduced, and proapoptotic proteins were increased in male homozygous KO (b) and homozygous KI mice (c) when compared to male WT mice. d Heatmap of genes differentially expressed between male WT and KO mice as determined by RNA-sequencing. A diminution in the expression of genes associated with spermatogenesis and those that were enriched in testes were decreased in male KOs compared to WT males. e Heatmap of genes differentially expressed between male WT and homozygous KI mice by RNA-sequencing. The genes associated with spermatogenesis and enriched in the testes were decreased in male homozygous KI mice compared to WT males. f The differential MS/MS spectra of p-Rbl1, p-Gata4, and p-Trim33 as detected in the testes of homozygous KI mice. (n = 3 biologically independent WT mice, KO mice or KI mice).