Molecular Regulation of Copper Homeostasis in the Male Gonad during the Process of Spermatogenesis

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Mateusz Ogórek¹  Paweł Grzmil¹  Sylwia Herman¹  Aleksandra Bednarz¹  Małgorzata Lenartowicz¹  Rafał Starzyński²  Paweł Lipiński² 

[1] Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Kraków, Poland;Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Magdalenka, Jastrzębiec, Poland;

关键词: spermatogenesis;    gametes production;    copper;    testis;    CTR1;    ATP7A;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms21239053

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Owing to its redox properties, copper is a cofactor of enzymes that catalyze reactions in fundamental metabolic processes. However, copper–oxygen interaction, which is a source of toxic oxygen radicals generated by the Fenton reaction, makes copper a doubled-edged-sword in an oxygen environment. Among the microelements influencing male fertility, copper plays a special role because both copper deficiency and overload in the gonads worsen spermatozoa quality and disturb reproductive function in mammals. Male gametes are produced during spermatogenesis, a multi-step process that consumes large amounts of oxygen. Germ cells containing a high amount of unsaturated fatty acids in their membranes are particularly vulnerable to excess copper-mediated oxidative stress. In addition, an appropriate copper level is necessary to initiate meiosis in premeiotic germ cells. The balance between essential and toxic copper concentrations in germ cells at different stages of spermatogenesis and in Sertoli cells that support their development is handled by a network of copper importers, chaperones, recipient proteins, and exporters. Here, we describe coordinated regulation/functioning of copper-binding proteins expressed in germ and Sertoli cells with special emphasis on copper transporters, copper transporting ATPases, and SOD1, a copper-dependent antioxidant enzyme. These and other proteins assure copper bioavailability in germ cells and protection against copper toxicity.

【 授权许可】

Unknown