title: Mitogen-activated protein kinases in male reproductive function.
abstract: Recent studies have shown that male reproductive function is modulated via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. The MAPK cascade is involved in numerous male reproductive processes, including spermatogenesis, sperm maturation and activation, capacitation and acrosome reaction, before fertilization of the oocyte. In this review, we discuss the latest findings in this rapidly developing field regarding the role of MAPK in male reproduction in animal models and in human spermatozoa in vitro. This research will facilitate the design of future studies in humans, although much work is needed before this information can be used to manage male infertility and environmental toxicant-induced testicular injury in men, such as blood-testis-barrier disruption.
authors.affiliation: The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
authors.forename: Michelle W M
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Dolores D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Mruk
authors.forename: C Yan
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Cheng
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D012098:Reproduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases