Primate-specific sperm lnc-CLCN7 reveals embryo quality in IVF

• Identifies lnc-CLCN7 as a novel primate-specific sperm lncRNA significantly downregulated in asthenozoospermic patients with poor embryo development. • Demonstrates that lnc-CLCN7 binds to histone modification H3K9me2/3 and responds to oxidative stress, linking sperm RNA regulation to embryo quality. • Reveals dysregulation of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and pyrimidine metabolism pathways in sperm as contributors to poor embryo development. • Proposes lnc-CLCN7 as a potential non-invasive biomarker for predicting IVF outcomes, offering clinical utility in assisted reproduction.