Characterization of a sperm motility signalling pathway in a gonochoric coral suggests conservation across cnidarian sexual systems.

ABSTRACT: Most stony corals liberate their gametes into the water column via broadcast spawning, where fertilization hinges upon the activation of directional sperm motility. Sperm from gonochoric and hermaphroditic corals display distinct morphological and molecular phenotypes, yet it is unknown whether the signalling pathways controlling sperm motility are also distinct between these sexual systems. Here, we addressed this knowledge gap using the gonochoric, broadcast spawning coral Astrangia poculata. We found that cytosolic alkalinization of sperm activates the pH-sensing enzyme soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), which is required for motility. Additionally, we demonstrate for the first time in any cnidarian that sAC activity leads to protein kinase A (PKA) activation, and that PKA activity

SUBMITTER: Glass BH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10394420 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature