The recent application of mass spectrometry to the study of the sperm cell has led to an unprecedented capacity for identification of sperm proteins in a variety of species.
Knowledge of the proteins that make up the sperm cell represents the first step towards understanding its normal function and the molecular anomalies associated with male infertility. The present review starts with an introduction of the sperm cell biology and is followed by the consideration of the methodological key aspects to be aware of during sample sourcing and preparation, including data interpretation. It then overviews the initiatives developed so far towards the completion of the sperm proteome, with a particular focus in human but with the inclusion of some comments on different model species. Finally, all studies performing differential proteomics in infertile patients are reviewed, pointing to future potential applications.
Written by:
Codina M, Estanyol JM, Fidalgo MJ, Ballescà JL, Oliva R. Are you the author?
Human Genetics Research Group, IDIBAPS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
Reference: Expert Rev Proteomics. 2015 Jun;12(3):255-77.
doi: 10.1586/14789450.2015.1040769
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25921224