Mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) as regulators of spermatogenesis and spermatozoa functions.
Spermatogenesis, culminating in the generation of mature motile spermatozoa, is a complex biological process that is regulated by cytokines and hormones of the male reproductive system. Spermatozoa must first undergo a series of biochemical processes termed capacitation, which is followed by acrosome reaction and egg fertilization. Here we review the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) cascades in spermatogenesis and spermatozoa functions.
Almog
Tal
T
Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel.
Naor
Zvi
Z
D020101:Acrosome Reaction / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020929:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / Q000502:physiology*; D013075:Sperm Capacitation / Q000502:physiology; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*
D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; D020929:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases