Calcium signaling through CatSper channels in mammalian fertilization
1Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. dren@sas.upenn.edu
Abstract:
The molecular mechanisms underlying Ca(2+) entry into sperm are now much more well defined thanks to direct recordings of mature sperm cells. This article reviews the function of a sperm-specific ion channel, CatSper. CatSpers have a clearly defined function in sperm's hyperactivated motility and are essential for male fertility. We propose that physiological stimuli such as zona pellucida and cyclic nucleotides induce Ca(2+) entry through CatSper channels instead of acting on Ca(V) and CNG channels as previously thought.
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