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Comparative analysis of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) expression and function in normal and abnormal human sperm and spermatogenic cells

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2024

Zhengli Qian Open the ORCID record for Zhengli Qian [Opens in a new window] ,
Keyan Luo ,
Mingzhe Zhang  and
Guanping Yao
Zhengli Qian
Affiliation:
Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
Keyan Luo
Affiliation:
Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
Mingzhe Zhang
Affiliation:
Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
Guanping Yao*
Affiliation:
Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
*
Corresponding author: Guanping Yao; Email: [email protected]
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Summary

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a critical mediator of calcium homeostasis in various tissues. Its role in human reproduction, especially in sperm function and male fertility, remains not fully elucidated. This study investigates the expression patterns of CaSR in normal and abnormal sperm and spermatogenic cells and evaluates its potential effect on sperm motility and morphology. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), quantitative PCR (qPCR), we assessed the expression levels of CaSR in normal sperm, spermatogonia, and cases of asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and teratozoospermia. In vitro functional assays were performed to analyze the effects of CaSR modulation on sperm motility under varying conditions, including the presence of specific CaSR agonists and antagonists. Our study revealed distinct patterns of CaSR expression in normal sperm and spermatogonia compared with those in abnormal sperm samples, particularly in cases of asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and teratozoospermia. A marked decrease in CaSR expression was evident in these abnormal samples, highlighting its significance in normal sperm functionality. Functional assays further elucidated the role of CaSR in sperm motility. Activation of CaSR through specific agonists enhanced sperm motility, while inhibition by antagonists led to reduced motility. Our findings suggest that CaSR plays a significant role in maintaining sperm functionality and that changes in its expression may be associated with male infertility. These insights into the molecular underpinnings of sperm physiology highlight CaSR as a potential therapeutic target for treating certain forms of male infertility.

Keywords

AsthenozoospermiaCalcium-sensing receptorMale infertilityOligozoospermiaSperm functionSpermatogenesisTeratozoospermia
Type
Research Article
Information
Zygote , Volume 32 , Issue 3 , June 2024 , pp. 250 - 255
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press

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