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Updated: Aug 25, 2025

Recording Electrical Currents across the Plasma Membrane of Mammalian Sperm Cells
Published on: February 14, 2021
Na/K-ATPase and Regulation of Sperm Function
Jacob C Thundathil1, Gayathri D Rajamanickam2, John P Kastelic1
1Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The alpha-4 isoform of Na/K-ATPase (ATP1A4) plays a key role in sperm function and fertility. ATP1A4 levels in sperm can predict bull fertility, offering a novel biomarker for male fertility assessments.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Standard bull breeding soundness evaluations (BBSE) do not fully predict fertility.
- Submicroscopic sperm differences may influence fertility.
- Understanding molecular regulation of sperm function can improve fertility prediction.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of the alpha-4 isoform of Na/K-ATPase (ATP1A4) in bull sperm physiology and fertility.
- Determine if ATP1A4 can serve as a biomarker for male fertility.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of ATP1A4 localization and activity in fresh and frozen-thawed bull sperm.
- Investigation of ATP1A4's role in sperm capacitation and signaling pathways.
- Proteomic analysis to identify ATP1A4 interacting proteins.
- Correlation of ATP1A4 content and activity with bull fertility.
Main Results:
- ATP1A4 is present in specialized sperm plasma membrane microdomains and activates signaling molecules during capacitation.
- Bovine sperm translate ATP1A4 mRNA during capacitation.
- ATP1A4 interacts with plakoglobin in the equatorial segment, suggesting a role in sperm-oolemma fusion.
- Higher ATP1A4 content and activity in frozen-thawed sperm correlate with higher fertility in bulls.
- ATP1A4 influences ROS, calcium, actin polymerization, and tyrosine phosphorylation in post-thaw sperm.
Conclusions:
- ATP1A4 has unique roles in regulating sperm motility, capacitation, and fusion.
- ATP1A4 content and activity are potential biomarkers for predicting bull fertility.
- Na/K-ATPase isoforms offer novel avenues for evidence-based male fertility assessments.
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