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Impact of caspase activation in human spermatozoa
Author(s) -
Grunewald Sonja,
Sharma Rakesh,
Paasch Uwe,
Glander HansJuergen,
Agarwal Ashok
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/jemt.20732
Subject(s) - microbiology and biotechnology , caspase , chemistry , apoptosis , biology , andrology , biochemistry , medicine , programmed cell death
Caspases are central components in the apoptosis signaling cascade. The family of cysteine proteases transduces and enhances the apoptosis signal, and activation of effector caspases results in controlled cellular degradation. Although initially the presence of caspases in spermatozoa was controversially discussed in recent years, many studies demonstrated their activation in male germ cells. Activated apoptosis signaling results in decreased fertilizing capacity of the sperm. This review presents the current knowledge on the role of caspases in human sperm. Techniques of caspase monitoring are highlighted. With regard to the high impact of caspases on the sperm fertilizing potential, physiological and pathological settings of caspase activation and inactivation are discussed. Finally, the effects of depletion of caspase‐positive sperm are shown with various standard and molecular sperm preparation methods. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.