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Activation of Sperm EGFR by Light Irradiation is Mediated by Reactive Oxygen Species
Author(s) -
Shahar Shiran,
Hillman Pnina,
Lubart Rachel,
Ickowicz Debby,
Breitbart Haim
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
photochemistry and photobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.818
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1751-1097
pISSN - 0031-8655
DOI - 10.1111/php.12281
Subject(s) - gelsolin , reactive oxygen species , capacitation , sperm , microbiology and biotechnology , motility , sperm motility , chemistry , phosphorylation , actin , proto oncogene tyrosine protein kinase src , biology , botany
To acquire fertilization competence, spermatozoa must undergo several biochemical and motility changes in the female reproductive tract, collectively called capacitation. Actin polymerization and the development of hyperactivated motility ( HAM ) are part of the capacitation process. In a recent study, we showed that irradiation of human sperm with visible light stimulates HAM through a mechanism involving reactive‐oxygen‐species ( ROS ), Ca 2+ influx, protein kinases A ( PKA ), and sarcoma protein kinase (Src). Here, we showed that this effect of light on HAM is mediated by ROS ‐dependent activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR ). Interestingly, ROS ‐mediated HAM even when the EGFR was activated by EGF , the physiological ligand of EGFR . Light irradiation stimulated ROS ‐dependent actin polymerization, and this effect was abrogated by PBP 10, a peptide which activates the actin‐severing protein, gelsolin, and causes actin‐depolymerization in human sperm. Light‐stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of Src‐dependent gelsolin, resulting in enhanced HAM . Thus, light irradiation stimulates HAM through a mechanism involving Src‐mediated actin polymerization. Light‐stimulated HAM and in vitro ‐fertilization ( IVF ) rate in mouse sperm, and these effects were mediated by ROS and EGFR . In conclusion, we show here that irradiation of sperm with visible light, enhances their fertilization capacity via a mechanism requiring ROS , EGFR and HAM .