Sperm proteostasis: Can-nabinoids be chaperone's partners?
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Updated: Jul 13, 2025

Studies of Chaperone-Cochaperone Interactions using Homogenous Bead-Based Assay
Published on: July 21, 2021
Karina Flores-Montero1, Yesica Romina Frontini-Lopez1, Javiera Fontecilla-Escobar1
1Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza M5500, Argentina.
Abstract:
The male gamete is a highly differentiated cell that aims to fuse with the oocyte in fertilization. Sperm have silenced the transcription and translational processes, maintaining proteostasis to guarantee male reproductive health. Despite the information about the implication of molecular chaperones as orchestrators of protein folding or aggregation, and the handling of body homeostasis by the endocannabinoid system, there is still a lack of basic investigation and random controlled clinical trials that deliver more evidence on the involvement of cannabinoids in reproductive function. Besides, we noticed that the information regarding whether recreational marijuana affects male fertility is controversial and requires further investigation. In other cell models, it has recently been evidenced that chaperones and cannabinoids are intimately intertwined. Through a literature review, we aim to explore the interaction between chaperones and cannabinoid signaling in sperm development and function. To untangle how or whether this dialogue happens within the sperm proteostasis. We discuss the action of chaperones, the endocannabinoid system and phytocannabinoids in sperm proteostasis. Reports of some heat shock and lipid proteins interacting with cannabinoid receptors prove that chaperones and the endocannabinoid system are in an intimate dialogue. Meanwhile, advancing the evidence to decipher these mechanisms for introducing innovative interventions into routine clinical settings becomes crucial. We highlight the potential interaction between chaperones and cannabinoid signaling in regulating proteostasis in male reproductive health.
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