Molecular identity of human sperm potassium channel and its role in male fertility



 DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Male infertility constitutes a serious problem contributing to half of all infertility cases worldwide. At least 50% of male infertility cases are considered idiopathic. This huge gap in our understanding of male infertility is partially attributd to our insufficient knowledge of human sperm cell physiology and to the unknown identity of human sperm ion channels. Ion channels are indispensable for sperm physiology: they regulate sperm motility, chemotaxis toward the egg and the acrosome reaction. Mammalian spermatozoa gain competence to fertilize an oocyte as they travel through the female genital tract. This progression is termed capacitation and is accompanied by: 1) sperm intracellular alkalinization, evoked by proton extrusion through proton channels; 2) elevation of the intracellular [Ca2+], evoked by calcium influx through calcium ion channels, and 3) membrane hyperpolarization that is evoked by K+ efflux. Whereas the proton and calcium channels of human sperm are identified as Hv1 and CatSper, the principal potassium channel of human sperm (hKSper) is unknown. Potassium channels are indispensable for normal sperm physiology since they regulate cell membrane potential and cell motility. In mice, pH-sensitive sperm K+ channel, coded by the KCNU1 gene is regulated by intracellular alkalinization and is essential for male fertility. It has been assumed, but never been proven that the K+ channel of human sperm has similar molecular identity. According to our preliminary data it is not the case, and hKSper likely has different molecular identity. This project will reveal the precise molecular identity of human sperm potassium channel, will study the regulation of this channel, and explain the role of potassium channels during human sperm development, maturation and fertilization. The knowledge gained from the proposed research will fill in gaps in our understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying the development of human sperm, will help to identify the molecules essential for potassium homeostasis in sperm cells, will lead to the creation of novel diagnostic tests for male fertility, and reveal new targets for contraception.