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Expression of a mitochondrial progesterone receptor in human spermatozoa correlates with a progestin‐dependent increase in mitochondrial membrane potential
Author(s) -
Tantibhedhyangkul J.,
Hawkins K. C.,
Dai Q.,
Mu K.,
Dunn C. N.,
Miller S. E.,
Price T. M.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
andrology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.947
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 2047-2927
pISSN - 2047-2919
DOI - 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00263.x
Subject(s) - mitochondrion , microbiology and biotechnology , acrosome reaction , biology , western blot , mitochondrial apoptosis induced channel , membrane potential , progesterone receptor , inner mitochondrial membrane , human fertilization , biophysics , biochemistry , estrogen receptor , anatomy , genetics , gene , cancer , breast cancer
Summary The hyperactivation of human spermatozoa necessary for fertilization requires a substantial increase in cellular energy production. The factors responsible for increasing cellular energy remain poorly defined. This article proposes a role for a novel mitochondrial progesterone receptor ( PR ‐M) in modulation of mitochondrial activity. Basic science studies demonstrate a 38 kDa protein with western blot analysis, consistent with PR ‐M; whereas imaging studies with confocal and immunoelectron microscopy demonstrate a PR on the mitochondria. Treatment with a PR ‐specific progestin shows increased mitochondrial membrane potential, not related to induction of an acrosome reaction. The increase in mitochondrial membrane potential was inhibited by a specific PR antagonist, but not affected by an inhibitor to the progesterone‐dependent Catsper voltage‐activated channel. In conclusion, these studies suggest expression of a novel mitochondrial PR in human spermatozoa with a progestin‐dependent increase in mitochondrial activity. This mechanism may serve to enhance cellular energy production as the spermatozoa traverse the female genital tract being exposed to increasing concentrations of progesterone.