Document Detail


Molecular architecture of the sperm flagella: molecules for motility and signaling.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  14578564     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Sperm motility is generated by a highly organized, microtubule-based structure, called the axoneme, which is constructed from approximately 250 proteins. Recent studies have revealed the molecular structures and functions of a number of axonemal components, including the motor molecules, the dyneins, and regulatory substructures, such as radial spoke, central pair, and other accessory structures. The force for flagellar movement is exerted by the sliding of outer-doublet microtubules driven by the molecular motors, the dyneins. Dynein activity is regulated by the radial spoke/central pair apparatus through protein phosphorylation, resulting in flagellar bend propagation. Prior to fertilization, sperm exhibit dramatic motility changes, such as initiation and activation of motility and chemotaxis toward the egg. These changes are triggered by changes in the extracellular ionic environment and substances released from the female reproductive tract or egg. After reception of these extracellular signals by specific ion channels or receptors in the sperm cells, intracellular signals are switched on through tyrosine protein phosphorylation, Ca2+, and cyclic nucleotide-dependent pathways. All these signaling molecules are closely arranged in each sperm flagellum, leading to efficient activation of motility.
Authors:
Kazuo Inaba
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Zoological science     Volume:  20     ISSN:  0289-0003     ISO Abbreviation:  Zool. Sci.     Publication Date:  2003 Sep 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2003-10-27     Completed Date:  2004-01-05     Revised Date:  2009-11-19    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8702287     Medline TA:  Zoolog Sci     Country:  Japan    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1043-56     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Asamushi Marine Biological Station, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aomori, Japan. inaba@biology.tohoku.ac.jp
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Biological Transport / physiology
Cations / metabolism
Dyneins / genetics*
Flagella / genetics*
Ion Channels / metabolism
Male
Signal Transduction*
Sperm Motility / genetics,  physiology*
Spermatozoa / cytology*
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Cations; 0/Ion Channels; EC 3.6.4.2/Dyneins

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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