Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex developmental program in which a diploid progenitor germ cell transforms into highly specialized spermatozoa. One intriguing aspect of sperm production is the dynamic change in membrane lipid composition that occurs throughout spermatogenesis. Cholesterol content, as well as its intermediates, differs vastly between the male reproductive system and nongonadal tissues. Accumulation of cholesterol precursors such as testis meiosis-activating sterol and desmosterol is observed in testes and spermatozoa from several mammalian species. Moreover, cholesterogenic genes, especially meiosis-activating sterol-producing enzyme cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14α-demethylase, display stage-specific expression patterns during spermatogenesis. Discrepancies in gene expression patterns suggest a complex temporal and cell-type specific regulation of sterol compounds during spermatogenesis, which also involves dynamic interactions between germ and Sertoli cells. The functional importance of sterol compounds in sperm production is further supported by the modulation of sterol composition in spermatozoal membranes during epididymal transit and in the female reproductive tract, which is a prerequisite for successful fertilization. However, the exact role of sterols in male reproduction is unknown. This review discusses sterol dynamics in sperm maturation and describes recent methodological advances that will help to illuminate the complexity of sperm formation and function.
Highlights
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex developmental program in which a diploid progenitor germ cell transforms into highly specialized spermatozoa
This study suggests that the early stages of cholesterol synthesis in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids might precede the synthesis of dolichol, which is a crucial component in protein glycosylation and the production of specific membrane glycoproteins
Cholesterol might originate from de novo synthesis in germ or Sertoli cells, or it might be transported from the interstitial compartment with lipoprotein particles, as discussed previously
Summary
Department of Animal Science,* Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Groblje 3, 1230 Domžale, Slovenia; Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips,† Faculty of Medicine University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia; and National Institute of Chemistry,§ Laboratory for Biotechnology, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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