The CatSper channel is known as one of the most important Ca²⁺ channels on the cell membrane of mammalian sperm and plays a key role in the motility, hyperactivation and fertilization function of sperm. The CatSper protein, expressed exclusively in the principal piece of the sperm tail, is composed of CatSper1-4 and 5 auxiliary unitsβ,γ,δ and ε, and has an essential part in the functional and structural domains of Ca²⁺as well as in the spatiotemporal regulation of the P-Tyr protein, sperm hyperactivation, efficient sperm migration in the oviduct, egg penetration, and normal fertility. Recent studies show that functional deficiency of CatSper seriously affects sperm function,and the loss of any one of its 9 subunits may lead to male reproductive dysfunction. This paper outlines recent advances in the studies of the CatSperprotein, focusing on its expression, location, structure, and regulation,as well as itsinfluence on sperm hyperactivation and male reproduction.
CtaSper通道是目前公认的哺乳动物精子细胞膜上最重要的Ca²⁺通道，对精子运动、精子超活化和受精功能起着关键作用。CatSper蛋白只表达于精子尾部主段，由CatSper1-4和5个辅助单元β,γ,δ和ε构成。CatSper蛋白是Ca²⁺功能结构域的主体，在时空上均有序调控精子尾部蛋白酪氨酸的磷酸化(P-Tyr)，维持了精子超活化运动。CatSper－/－小鼠超活化表现为早发式、爆发式、散发式，能量很快耗尽，超活化提前终止。胞内pH值、膜电位、类固醇激素、多种蛋白质、环腺苷酸类似物等通过调控CatSper通道参与精子超活化、精子游动至受精部位和穿透卵子外膜。近年来,许多研究证实CatSper蛋白功能缺陷会严重影响精子功能，9个CatSper亚基的中任何一个丢失最终导致男性生育功能障碍。本文结合目前最新研究进展，从CatSper蛋白表达、定位、结构、调控等多角度就CatSper对精子超活化和男性不育的影响进行综述。.
Keywords: CatSper channel; Ca²⁺; hyperactivation; male infertility; sperm.