Calcium channels and Ca2+ fluctuations in sperm physiology.
Generating new life in animals by sexual reproduction depends on adequate communication between mature and competent male and female gametes. Ion channels are instrumental in the dialogue between sperm, its environment, and the egg. The ability of sperm to swim to the egg and fertilize it is modulated by ion permeability changes induced by environmental cues and components of the egg outer layer. Ca(2+) is probably the key messenger in this information exchange. It is therefore not surprising that different Ca(2+)-permeable channels are distinctly localized in these tiny specialized cells. New approaches to measure sperm currents, intracellular Ca(2+), membrane potential, and intracellular pH with fluorescent probes, patch-clamp recordings, sequence information, and heterologous expression are revealing how sperm channels participate in fertilization. Certain sperm ion channels are turning out to be unique, making them attractive targets for contraception and for the discovery of novel signaling complexes.
Darszon
Alberto
A
Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico 62210.
Nishigaki
Takuya
T
Wood
Chris
C
Treviño
Claudia L
CL
Felix
Ricardo
R
Beltrán
Carmen
C
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology*; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D013075:Sperm Capacitation / Q000502:physiology; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*
D015220:Calcium Channels; D002118:Calcium