Sperm hyperactivation and the CatSper channel: Current understanding and future contribution of domestic animals
Abstract
In female tract, mammalian sperm develop hyperactivated motility which is a key physiological event for sperm to fertilize eggs. This motility change is triggered by Ca<sup>2+</sup> influx via the sperm-specific Ca<sup>2+</sup> channel, CatSper. Although previous studies in human and mice largely contributed to understanding CatSper and Ca<sup>2+</sup> signaling for sperm hyperactivation, the differences on their activation mechanisms are not well understood yet. There are several studies to examine expression and significance of the CatSper channel in non-human and non-mouse models, such as domestic animals. In this review, I summarize key knowledge for the CatSper channel from previous studies and propose future aspects for CatSper study using sperm from domestic animals.