Role of the Ca2+-ATPase Pump (SERCA) in Capacitation and the Acrosome Reaction of Cryopreserved Bull Spermatozoa
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Cryopreservation of sperm is a resource used for artificial insemination. In the case of bovines, it ensures the reproduction of animals through cells from males with a highlighted genetic background. The fertilisation capacity of sperm cells is achieved after capacitation, a process that includes subcellular modifications that could be altered by cryopreservation. Intracellular calcium handling plays a crucial role in the development of capacitation, culminating in the acrosomal reaction. SERCA protein is responsible for calcium reuptake into the acrosome, which is one of the main calcium reservoirs of sperm cells. In this work, we studied the relationships between SERCA activity and sperm motility, capacitation progression, actin polymerisation, and intracellular calcium handling in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. Inhibition of SERCA activity reduced sperm motility and induced hyperactivation patterns. It also increased the proportion of cells with acrosomal reaction and earlier actin depolymerisation, an event necessary to induce the acrosomal reaction. All changes occurred in concordance with a significant increase in intracellular calcium concentration (Ca2+). Our findings suggest that a thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ pump consistent with SERCA activity remains responsive in cryopreserved spermatozoa from the bull studied, under specific cryopreservation and incubation conditions tested, and may contribute to Ca2+ handling, motility changes, and premature acrosomal exocytosis.
Source: Cells
Authors: Maia A. Rodríguez, Alejandro Orlowski, Enrique L. Portiansky, Paola Ferrero
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
Award: G7955988846
OpenAlex ID: W4416786092