A novel microtubule severing protein involved in male germ cell biology

Microtubules are a fundamental component of all cells. A mechanism that is increasingly recognised as essential
for microtubules regulation is severing. Recently we have discovered that an uncharacterised microtubule
severing protein, KATNAL2, has an key role in multiple aspects of male germ cell development. In this grant we
aim to define the mechanisms underlying KATNAL2 function in the male germ line. Collectively these data will
generate a comprehensive picture of KATNAL2 function and provide foundation data of relevance across multiple
species and tissues. It will result in field leading publications, and in the longer term may reveal a rational strategy
for fertility enhancement, or suppression, in mammals broadly.