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Choline dehydrogenase is necessary for normal energy metabolism in mouse sperm
Author(s) -
Johnson Amy Rose,
Zeisel Steven
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.354.5
Choline dehydrogenase knockout ( Chdh −/− ) male mice are infertile due to severely compromised sperm motility. We have previously reported that Chdh −/− sperm have abnormal mitochondrial structure, significantly decreased ATP concentrations, are unable to maintain the electrochemical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane and are less motile than Chdh +/+ sperm. A viability assay based upon SYBR14 uptake indicated that there were no differences between Chdh +/+ and Chdh −/− sperm samples; however, energy metabolism in the Chdh −/− sperm was decreased compared to Chdh +/+ sperm. Measurements of oxidative phosphorylation (oxygen consumption rate, OCR) and glycolysis (extracellular acidification, ECAR) were measured simultaneously in Chdh +/+ and Chdh −/− sperm using a Seahorse Biosciences Extracellullar Flux analyzer. Chdh −/− sperm OCR was 9% of Chdh +/+ sperm; ECAR in Chdh −/− sperm was 100% less than Chdh +/+ sperm. The reduced activity of both major energy‐producing pathways (mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis) in Chdh −/− sperm likely accounts for the decreased ATP concentrations and poor motility of these cells. ARJ is supported by a scholarship from Balchem Corporation. Additional funding from the NIH DK55865.