Control of intracellular pH and bicarbonate by CO₂ diffusion into human sperm.

ABSTRACT: The reaction of CO₂ with H₂O to form bicarbonate (HCO₃^-) and H⁺ controls sperm motility and fertilization via HCO₃^--stimulated cAMP synthesis. A complex network of signaling proteins participates in this reaction. Here, we identify key players that regulate intracellular pH (pH_i) and HCO₃^- in human sperm by quantitative mass spectrometry (MS) and kinetic patch-clamp fluorometry. The resting pH_i is set by amiloride-sensitive Na⁺/H⁺ exchange. The sperm-specific putative Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger SLC9C1, unlike its sea urchin homologue, is not gated by voltage or cAMP. Transporters and channels implied in HCO₃^- transp

SUBMITTER: Grahn E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10480191 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature