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Zinc ion flux during mammalian sperm capacitation

Author

Listed:
  • Karl Kerns

    (University of Missouri)

  • Michal Zigo

    (University of Missouri
    Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i.)

  • Erma Z. Drobnis

    (University of Missouri)

  • Miriam Sutovsky

    (University of Missouri)

  • Peter Sutovsky

    (University of Missouri
    University of Missouri)

Abstract

Sperm capacitation, the ultimate maturation event preparing mammalian spermatozoa for fertilization, was first described in 1951, yet its regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. The capacitation process encompasses an influx of bicarbonate and calcium ions, removal of decapacitating factors, changes of pH and sperm proteasomal activities, and the increased protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Here, we document a novel biological phenomenon of a unique zinc (Zn2+) ion redistribution associated with mammalian sperm in vitro capacitation (IVC). Using image-based flow cytometry (IBFC), we identified four distinct types of sperm zinc ion distribution patterns (further zinc signature) and their changes during IVC. The zinc signature was altered after sperm capacitation, reduced by proteasomal inhibitors, removed by zinc chelators, and maintained with addition of external ZnCl2. These findings represent a fundamental shift in the understanding of mammalian fertilization, paving the way for improved semen analysis, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and artificial insemination (AI).

Suggested Citation

  • Karl Kerns & Michal Zigo & Erma Z. Drobnis & Miriam Sutovsky & Peter Sutovsky, 2018. "Zinc ion flux during mammalian sperm capacitation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-04523-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04523-y
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