An investigation into the function of KATNAL2 in male fertility and health

Male infertility affects one in twenty men of reproductive age in Australia. Despite this the underlying causes of many common defects remain poorly defined. This thesis predominantly explored the processes by which spermatogonial stem cells transform into aerodynamic, motile sperm capable of fertilising an egg. Using sophisticated experimental approaches, previously overlooked mechanisms were identified to be of critical relevance to male fertility and to cell biology more broadly. The discoveries made in this project will aid in understanding the causes of genetic based infertility, and, in addition, have provided insight into the pathophysiology of other diseases including hydrocephaly.