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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

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Medium-throughput Screening Assays for Assessment of Effects on Ca2+-Signaling and Acrosome Reaction in Human Sperm
Published on: March 1, 2019
Vitamin D receptor found in human sperm
Sean T Corbett1, Oya Hill, Ajay K Nangia
1Division of Urology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA.
Urology
|December 16, 2006
Summary
This study investigated the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in human sperm, finding its presence on sperm for the first time. This discovery offers new insights into male fertility and VDR
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Spermatology
Background:
- Animal studies suggest vitamin D and its receptor (VDR) influence male fertility.
- The specific role and location of VDR in human sperm remain uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and location of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) on human sperm.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of sperm from 10 fertile men.
- Immunohistochemistry used to detect VDR on sperm.
- Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting confirmed VDR presence.
Main Results:
- Vitamin D receptor (VDR) was detected on human sperm.
- VDR predominantly located on the sperm head/nucleus and mid-piece.
- VDR confirmed with a molecular weight of 50 kDa in all subjects.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of VDR presence on human sperm.
- Findings suggest a potential role for VDR in human male fertility.
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