title: Calcium signaling through CatSper channels in mammalian fertilization.
abstract: The molecular mechanisms underlying Ca(2+) entry into sperm are now much more well defined thanks to direct recordings of mature sperm cells. This article reviews the function of a sperm-specific ion channel, CatSper. CatSpers have a clearly defined function in sperm's hyperactivated motility and are essential for male fertility. We propose that physiological stimuli such as zona pellucida and cyclic nucleotides induce Ca(2+) entry through CatSper channels instead of acting on Ca(V) and CNG channels as previously thought.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. dren@sas.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Dejian
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ren
authors.forename: Jingsheng
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Xia
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology*; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D023421:Models, Animal; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D015220:Calcium Channels; C488642:Catsper1 protein, mouse