Ion Channel Hyperactivity Needed for Egg Fertilization

They reported in the December 9, 2003, online edition of the Proceedings of the [U.S.] National Academy of Sciences that CatSper1 was essential for depolarization-evoked calcium ion entry and for hyperactivated movement, a key flagellar function. CatSper1 was not needed for other developmental landmarks.

"Basically this protein or ion channel plays a critical role in sperm cell hyperactivation, which is essential for fertilization,” explained contributing author Dr. Timothy Quill, an instructor of pharmacology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. "The same protein exists in human sperm cells, so it is likely that disruption of CatSper1 would result in infertility in men as well. Blocking the protein's activity would not cause defects in the development of the sperm cell, but only prevent hyperactivation. This discovery could serve as one of the next steps in the process of creating a new type of contraceptive that would offer less risk and perform faster.”




Related Links:
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center