The role of Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) in sperm functions.
The generation of mature spermatozoa in the epididymis includes the activation of the MAPK cascade in a complex manner. MAPKs are thought to be involved in the regulation of transcription and ectoplasmic specialization (ES) in the testis. MAPKs also regulate mature spermatozoa flagellar motility, hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction. Here we review the current data regarding the functions of MAPKs in spermatogenesis and in mature spermatozoa.
Almog
Tal
T
Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
Naor
Zvi
Z
D020101:Acrosome Reaction / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D004822:Epididymis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000502:physiology*; D013075:Sperm Capacitation / Q000502:physiology*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism*
D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases