Article

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

Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology DOI:10.1016/j.mce.2009.05.009 pp.239-243

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.

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Keywords

acrosome reaction
 
complex manner
 
current data
 
epididymis
 
ES
 
MAPK cascade
 
MAPKs
 
mature spermatozoa
 
mature spermatozoa flagellar motility
 
spermatogenesis
 
testis
 
transcription