The Cation/Calcium Channel of Sperm (CatSper): A Common Role Played Despite Inter-Species Variation?
Alejandro Vicente-Carrillo,
Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez,
Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
Abstract:The main cation/calcium channel of spermatozoa (CatSper), first identified in 2001, has been thoroughly studied to elucidate its composition and function, while its distribution among species and sperm sources is yet incomplete. CatSper is composed of several subunits that build a pore-forming calcium channel, mainly activated in vivo in ejaculated sperm cells by intracellular alkalinization and progesterone, as suggested by the in vitro examinations. The CatSper channel relevance is dual: to maintain sperm ho… Show more
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