Abstract
CatSper family proteins are putative ion channels expressed exclusively in membranes of the sperm flagellum and required for male fertility. Here, we show that mouse CatSper1 is essential for depolarization-evoked Ca2+ entry and for hyperactivated movement, a key flagellar function. CatSper1 is not needed for other developmental landmarks, including regional distributions of CaV1.2, CaV2.2, and CaV2.3 ion channel proteins, the cAMP-mediated activation of motility by HCO3-, and the protein phosphorylation cascade of sperm capacitation. We propose that CatSper1 functions as a voltage-gated Ca2+ channel that controls Ca2+ entry to mediate the hyperactivated motility needed late in the preparation of sperm for fertilization.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Bicarbonates / chemistry
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Calcium / metabolism*
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Calcium Channels / chemistry
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Calcium Channels / physiology*
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Calcium Channels, L-Type / chemistry
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Calcium Channels, R-Type
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Cation Transport Proteins*
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Cyclic AMP / metabolism
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Flagella / metabolism*
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Immunoblotting
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Immunohistochemistry
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Ions
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Microscopy, Confocal
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Mutation
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Phosphorylation
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Spermatozoa / metabolism*
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Time Factors
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Tyrosine / metabolism
Substances
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Bicarbonates
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CATSPER1 protein, human
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Cacna1e protein, mouse
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Calcium Channels
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Calcium Channels, L-Type
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Calcium Channels, R-Type
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Cation Transport Proteins
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Ions
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L-type calcium channel alpha(1C)
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Tyrosine
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Cyclic AMP
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Calcium