The sodium-proton exchangers sNHE and NHE1 control plasma membrane hyperpolarization in mouse sperm.

ABSTRACT: Sperm capacitation, crucial for fertilization, occurs in the female reproductive tract and can be replicated in vitro using a medium rich in bicarbonate, calcium, and albumin. These components trigger the cAMP-PKA signaling cascade, proposed to promote hyperpolarization of the mouse sperm plasma membrane through activation of SLO3 K⁺ channel. Hyperpolarization is a hallmark of capacitation: proper membrane hyperpolarization renders higher in vitro fertilizing ability, while Slo3 KO mice are infertile. However, the precise regulation of SLO3 opening remains elusive. Our study challenges the involvement of PKA in this event and reveals the role of Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers. During capacitation, calcium increase through CatSper channels activates

SUBMITTER: Novero AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10942401 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature