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Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male...
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Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
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Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
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Is PAWP the "real" sperm factor?

Michail Nomikos1, Karl Swann, F Anthony Lai

  • 1Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.

Asian Journal of Andrology
|February 6, 2015
PubMed
Summary

A sperm protein called PAWP may trigger mammalian oocyte activation and embryo development by initiating calcium (Ca2+) oscillations, challenging the long-held belief that PLCζ is the sole trigger.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Cellular signaling
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Mammalian embryo development begins with oocyte activation, triggered by intracellular Ca2+ oscillations.
  • Phospholipase C-zeta (PLCζ) has been considered the primary sperm protein responsible for initiating these Ca2+ oscillations via InsP3 production.
  • Recent research suggests an alternative sperm protein may also play a critical role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss new findings on postacrosomal WW domain-binding protein (PAWP) as a potential trigger for oocyte activation.
  • To examine the evidence supporting PAWP's role in initiating Ca2+ oscillations and zygotic development.
  • To evaluate PAWP as a candidate for the "sperm factor" initiating fertilization.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature and findings.

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  • Comparative analysis of proposed sperm factors (PLCζ and PAWP).
  • Examination of experimental evidence supporting PAWP's function.

    • Main Results:

    • Aarabi et al. reported that PAWP can initiate Ca2+ oscillations and zygotic development.
    • This finding challenges the established role of PLCζ as the sole sperm factor.
    • Evidence suggests PAWP is a viable candidate for triggering fertilization.

    Conclusions:

    • PAWP emerges as a significant sperm-derived protein capable of initiating mammalian oocyte activation.
    • The role of PAWP in fertilization warrants further investigation as a potential "real" sperm factor.
    • These findings necessitate a re-evaluation of the mechanisms underlying oocyte activation.