The sperm-specific K⁺ channel Slo3 is inhibited by albumin and steroids contained in reproductive fluids.

ABSTRACT: To locate and fertilize the egg, sperm probe the varying microenvironment prevailing at different stages during their journey across the female genital tract. To this end, they are equipped with a unique repertoire of mostly sperm-specific proteins. In particular, the flagellar Ca²⁺ channel CatSper has come into focus as a polymodal sensor used by human sperm to register ligands released into the female genital tract. Here, we provide the first comprehensive study on the pharmacology of the sperm-specific human Slo3 channel, shedding light on its modulation by reproductive fluids and their constituents. We show that seminal fluid and contained prostaglandins and Zn²⁺ do not affect the channel, whereas human Slo3 is inhibited in a non-genomic fashion by diverse steroid

SUBMITTER: Lorenz J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11413451 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature