Solute Carrier Family 9, Member 10 (SLC9A10)

SLC9A10 is a member of the sodium-hydrogen exchanger (NHE) family and is required for male fertility and sperm motility. The deduced 1,120-amino acid mouse protein contains 14 predicted transmembrane segments and a C-terminal cyclic nucleotide-binding domain. Northern blot analysis of mouse tissues detected strong expression in testis only. In situ hybridization confirmed expression specifically in spermatocytes and spermatids. Indirect immunofluorescent microscopy localized Slc9a10 to the principal piece of sperm flagellum.

Slc9a10-null male mice exhibited infertility with significantly reduced sperm motility and forward progressive velocity. There were no obvious defects in spermatogenesis or sperm morphology.