CatSper and its CaM-like Ca²⁺ sensor EFCAB9 are necessary for the path chirality of sperm.

ABSTRACT: Successful fertilization depends on sperm motility adaptation. Ejaculated and activated sperm beat symmetrically in high frequency, move linearly, and swim with clockwise chirality. After capacitation, sperm beat asymmetrically with lower amplitude and a high lateral head excursion. This motility change called hyperactivation requires CatSper activation and an increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ . However, whether CatSper-mediated Ca²⁺ influx participates in controlling the swim path chirality is unknown. In this study, we show that the clockwise path chirality is preserved in mouse sperm regardless of capacitation state but is lost in the sperm either lacking the entire CatSper channel or its Ca²⁺ sensor EFCAB9. Pharmacological inhibition of CatSper with either

SUBMITTER: Wiesehofer C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9835897 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature