Transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels in human sperm: Expression, cellular localization and involvement in the regulation of flagellar motility

Laura E. Castellano, Claudia L. Treviño, Delany Rodríguez, Carmen J. Serrano, Judith Pacheco, Víctor Tsutsumi, Ricardo Felix, Alberto Darszon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

107 Scopus citations

Abstract

Capacitative Ca2+ entry is a process whereby the activation of Ca2+ influx through the plasma membrane is triggered by depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores. Some transient receptor potential (TRPC) proteins have been proposed as candidates for capacitative Ca2+ channels. Recent evidence indicates that capacitative Ca2+ entry participates in the sperm acrosome reaction (AR), an exocytotic process necessary for fertilization. In addition, several TRPCs have been detected heterogeneously distributed in mouse sperm, suggesting that they may participate in other functions such as motility. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, RNA messengers for TRPC1, 3, 6 and 7 were found in human spermatogenic cells. Confocal indirect immunofluorescence revealed the presence of TRPC1, 3, 4 and 6 differentially localized in the human sperm, and immunogold transmission electron microscopy indicated that TRPC epitopes are mostly associated to the surface of the cells. Because all of them were detected in the flagellum, TRPC channel antagonists were tested in sperm motility using a computer-assisted assay. Our results provide what is to our knowledge the first evidence that these channels may influence human sperm motility.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)69-74
Number of pages6
JournalFEBS Letters
Volume541
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - 24 Apr 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Ca channel
  • Capacitative Ca entry
  • Sperm motility
  • Store operated channel
  • TRPC
  • Transient receptor potential

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