Ca2+ signaling tools acquired from prostasomes are required for progesterone-induced sperm motility

Sci Signal. 2011 May 17;4(173):ra31. doi: 10.1126/scisignal.2001595.

Abstract

Progesterone-induced calcium ion (Ca2+) signals in the neck region of sperm play a pivotal role in promoting sperm motility. Here, we show that a long-lasting Ca2+ signal required for sperm motility in response to progesterone depends on their pH-dependent fusion with prostasomes, which are small vesicles secreted by the prostate. We found that prostasome fusion led to the transfer of progesterone receptors, cyclic adenosine diphosphoribose (cADPR)-synthesizing enzymes, ryanodine receptors (RyRs), and other Ca2+ signaling tools from prostasomes to the sperm neck. Progesterone-induced sperm motility relied on cADPR-mediated Ca2+ mobilization through RyR located on acidic Ca2+ stores, followed by Ca2+ entry through store-operated channels. Treatment of prostasome-fused sperm with a cADPR antagonist or fusion with prostasomes in which type 2 RyR was depleted resulted in low fertilization rates, reduced sperm motility, or both. Thus, we conclude that sperm motility depends on the acquisition of Ca2+ signaling tools from prostasomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Calcium Signaling*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Male
  • Progesterone / pharmacology*
  • Prostate / metabolism*
  • Sperm Motility / drug effects*

Substances

  • Progesterone