The role of Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) in sperm functions

Tal Almog; Zvi Naor

doi:10.1016/j.mce.2009.05.009

The role of Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) in sperm functions

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2010 Jan 27;314(2):239-43. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.05.009. Epub 2009 May 23.

Authors

Tal Almog¹, Zvi Naor

Affiliation

¹ Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.

PMID: 19467295
DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.05.009

Abstract

The generation of mature spermatozoa in the epididymis includes the activation of the MAPK cascade in a complex manner. MAPKs are thought to be involved in the regulation of transcription and ectoplasmic specialization (ES) in the testis. MAPKs also regulate mature spermatozoa flagellar motility, hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction. Here we review the current data regarding the functions of MAPKs in spermatogenesis and in mature spermatozoa.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Acrosome Reaction / physiology*
Animals
Epididymis / physiology
Humans
Male
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / physiology*
Sperm Capacitation / physiology*
Sperm Motility / physiology
Spermatogenesis / physiology
Spermatozoa / metabolism*

Substances

Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases