Find in Library
Search millions of books, articles, and more
Indexed Open Access Databases
Pyruvate kinase M in germ cells is essential for sperm motility and male fertility but not spermatogenesis
oleh: Gao-Qing Qian, Xiao-Chen Wang, Xi Zhang, Bin Shen, Qiang Liu
Format: | Article |
---|---|
Diterbitkan: | Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2024-01-01 |
Deskripsi
Male germ cells employ specific metabolic pathways throughout their developmental stages. In a previous study, we discovered heightened expression of pyruvate kinase M (PKM), a pivotal glycolytic enzyme, in spermatogonia and spermatids. To gain deeper insights into PKM's roles in spermatogenesis, sperm function, and male fertility, we engineered a conditional-knockout mouse model (Pkm-vKO mice) to selectively disrupt the Pkm gene within germ cells. Despite maintaining regular testicular histology and sperm morphology, the male Pkm-vKO mice were infertility, characterized by significant impairments in sperm motility and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation. In addition, Pkm-null spermatozoa exhibited similar deficits in protein tyrosine phosphorylation linked to capacitation, as well as compromised performance in in vitro fertilization experiments. To conclude, PKM's presence is not obligatory for the entirety of spermatogenesis in male germ cells; however, it emerges as a critical factor influencing sperm motility and overall male fertility.