Molecular Bases of Sperm Thermotaxis: Old and New Knowledges

Abstract

Sperm thermotaxis, namely the temperature-oriented motility of sperm cells, is a key process involved in ejaculated sperm guidance towards the oocyte for fertilization pourposes. Since its discovery in 2003, many studies clarified the dynamics, the sensitivity and the overall weight of this process in the comprehensive context of fertilization. However, the identification of sperm thermosensor/ s remained elusive until recently. The most recent cues about the molecular bases of the old known process of thermotaxis are here revised. Moreover, the possible pathophysiological and therapeutic repercussions deriving from the widening of this process are also discussed.

Keywords: Sperm; fertilization; opsin system; sperm-egg interaction; temperature-sensing receptor; thermotaxis..