Critical role of CFTR in uterine bicarbonate secretion and the fertilizing capacity of sperm.
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cAMP-activated Cl- channel expressed in a wide variety of epithelial cells, mutations of which are responsible for hallmark defective Cl- and HCO3- secretion seen in cystic fibrosis (CF). However, the physiological role of CFTR in reproductive tracts is far from understood although infertility has been observed in CF patients of both sexes. Previously we have demonstrated the expression of CFTR in the female reproductive tract and the involvement of CFTR in mediating anion secretion by the endometrium. Our recent results show that endometrial epithelial cells possess a cAMP-activated HCO3- transport mechanism, which could be impaired with channel blockers known to block CFTR or antisense against CFTR. Co-culture of sperm with CFTR antisense-treated endometrial cells or HCO3- secretion-defective CF epithelial cells resulted in reduced sperm capacitation and egg-fertilizing ability. Addition of HCO3- to the culture media and transfection of wild-type CFTR into CF cells rescued the fertilizing capacity of sperm. Immunostaining and Western blot revealed that CFTR is expressed in rodent sperm and intracellular measurement of pH during sperm capacitation indicated that the entry of HCO3- into sperm could be inhibited by CFTR inhibitor. These results are consistent with a critical role of CFTR in controlling uterine HCO3- secretion and sperm fertilizing capacity, suggesting that CFTR may be a potential target for post-meiotic regulation of fertility.
Chan
Hsiao Chang
HC
Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, Department of Physiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 410, Basic Medical Sciences Building, Shatin, Hong Kong. hsiaocchan@cuhk.edu.hk
Shi
Qi Xian
QX
Zhou
Chen Xi
CX
Wang
Xiao Fei
XF
Xu
Wen Ming
WM
Chen
Wen Ying
WY
Chen
Ai Jun
AJ
Ni
Ya
Y
Yuan
Yu Ying
YY
D000818:Animals; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000378:metabolism*; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000235:genetics; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D013075:Sperm Capacitation; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism*
D001639:Bicarbonates; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator