Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026
07:38
Techniques for Imaging Ca2+ Signaling in Human Sperm
Published on: June 16, 2010
17.5K
Isoform-specific GSK3A activity is negatively correlated with human sperm motility
M J Freitas1, J V Silva1,2,3, C Brothag4
1Signal Transduction Laboratory, Institute for Research in Biomedicine-iBiMED, Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
Molecular Human Reproduction
|March 3, 2019
Summary
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 alpha (GSK3A) inhibition positively correlates with human sperm motility, suggesting its isoform-specific role in male fertility. This finding highlights GSK3A as a potential target for male contraceptive development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Sperm Physiology
Background:
- Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) activity is inversely related to sperm motility in mice and bovines.
- Previous studies indicated male infertility in mice with GSK3A gene disruption, while GSK3B disruption did not affect fertility.
- The specific role of GSK3 isoforms in human sperm motility remained unestablished.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the isoform-specific function of GSK3 in human sperm motility.
- To correlate GSK3 expression and activity with human sperm motility profiles.
- To identify testicular and sperm GSK3 interactomes for further analysis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of normospermic and asthenozoospermic human sperm samples.
- Correlation of GSK3 expression and activity with sperm motility parameters.
- Yeast two-hybrid screening and coimmunoprecipitation for interactome identification.
- In-silico analysis of the GSK3 interactome.
Main Results:
- Inhibited GSK3A (phosphorylated at serine) showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.822, P = 0.023) with progressive human sperm motility.
- Inhibited GSK3B did not show a significant correlation with sperm motility (r = 0.577, P = 0.175).
- In-silico analysis revealed significant involvement of GSK3 interactors in sperm motility-related functions.
Conclusions:
- Human sperm motility is dependent on the isoform-specific functions of GSK3A.
- GSK3 protein-protein interactions are crucial for sperm motility.
- GSK3 isoforms represent potential targets for male contraceptive strategies modulating sperm motility.
Related Concept Videos
02:20Correlations
35.8K
Correlation means that there is a relationship between two or more variables (such as ice cream consumption and crime), but this relationship does not necessarily imply cause and effect. When two variables are correlated, it simply means that as one variable changes, so does the other. We can measure correlation by calculating a statistic known as a correlation coefficient. A correlation coefficient is a number from -1 to +1 that indicates the strength and direction of the relationship between...
35.8K
01:27Correlation and Causation
42.4K
Statistical tests can calculate whether there is a relationship, or correlation, between independent and dependent variables. An indirect relationship of the variables signifies a correlation, while a direct relationship shows causation. If it is determined that no connection exists between the variables, then the correlation is a coincidence.
Correlation versus Causation
If the dependent variable increases or decreases when the independent variable increases, there is a positive or negative...
Correlation versus Causation
If the dependent variable increases or decreases when the independent variable increases, there is a positive or negative...
42.4K
01:15Sperm Transport
3.4K
The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
3.4K
01:23Negative Regulator Molecules
38.5K
Positive regulators allow a cell to advance through cell cycle checkpoints. Negative regulators have an equally important role as they terminate a cell’s progression through the cell cycle—or pause it—until the cell meets specific criteria.
38.5K
01:09Correlation
15.1K
In statistics, two variables are said to be correlated if the values of one variable are associated with the other variable. Depending on the relationship between two variables, correlation can be of three types– positive correlation, negative correlation, and zero correlation.
Two variables, for example, a and b, are said to be positively correlated if both variables move in the same direction. In other words, a positive correlation exists between two variables, a and b, if:
Two variables, for example, a and b, are said to be positively correlated if both variables move in the same direction. In other words, a positive correlation exists between two variables, a and b, if:
15.1K
01:16Gastric Motility
3.1K
Gastric motility is the coordinated contraction and relaxation of stomach muscles that convert ingested food into chyme, a semi-liquid substance ready for further digestion in the intestines. The process begins with the vagus nerve inducing the relaxation of the smooth muscles in the fundus and body of the stomach, allowing these regions to expand and accommodate up to approximately 1.5 liters of food and liquid.
Peristaltic Waves and Chyme Formation
Upon food entry, the stomach initiates...
Peristaltic Waves and Chyme Formation
Upon food entry, the stomach initiates...
3.1K