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Updated: Apr 29, 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
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Aberrant protamine content in sperm and consequential implications for infertility treatment
Sarah Francis1, Suseela Yelumalai, Celine Jones
1Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital , Headington, Oxford , UK.
Human Fertility (Cambridge, England)
|May 30, 2014
Summary
Abnormal protamine ratios in sperm are linked to male infertility and may affect embryogenesis. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) should prioritize sperm with normal protamination to improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Sperm Biology
Background:
- Human sperm contain protamine 1 (P1) and protamine 2 (P2) proteins, crucial for DNA packaging.
- An abnormal P1:P2 ratio is associated with male infertility and impacts semen parameters.
- Deficient protamination can lead to poor sperm DNA condensation, increasing susceptibility to damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between male infertility and abnormal protamine expression.
- To explore the implications of aberrant sperm DNA packaging on Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs).
- To discuss potential iatrogenic effects of ART on sperm function and epigenetics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on protamine function, male infertility, and ART outcomes.
- Analysis of the impact of abnormal protamination on sperm DNA integrity and embryogenesis.
- Examination of emerging evidence on protamine's role in epigenetic transmission.
Main Results:
- Abnormal protamine ratios (P1:P2) are linked to reduced fertility and impaired sperm parameters.
- Poor sperm DNA packaging due to abnormal protamination may negatively affect ART success.
- Retained histones in imprinted gene clusters raise concerns for ART-conceived offspring, including imprinting disorders.
Conclusions:
- Protamine abnormalities are a significant factor in male infertility.
- Ensuring normal protamination in sperm used for ART is crucial for successful outcomes.
- Further research is needed to understand ART's impact on sperm epigenetics and offspring health.
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