Steroid hormone progesterone released by cumulus cells surrounding the egg is a potent stimulator of human spermatozoa. It attracts spermatozoa towards the egg and helps them penetrate the egg's protective vestments. Progesterone induces Ca2+ influx into spermatozoa and triggers multiple Ca2+-dependent physiological responses essential for successful fertilization, such as sperm hyperactivation, acrosome reaction and chemotaxis towards the egg. Progesterone dramatically potentiates CatSper calcium transport activity, identifying CatSper as the progesterone receptor of sperm.
Weyand, I, Brenker, C, Goodwin, N, Seifert, R, Strünker, T, Kaupp, UB, Kashikar, ND
Botchkina, IL, Lishko, PV, Kirichok, Y
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