CFTR Regulation of Aquaporin-Mediated Water Transport: A Target in Male Fertility

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2015

Autores

Alves, MG (Autor) Outra; Sa, R (Autor) Outra; Jesus, TT (Autor) Outra; sousa, m (Autor) ICBAS; Oliveira, PF (Autor) Outra

Revista

Título: Current Drug Targets

Vol. 16

Páginas: 993-1006

ISSN: 1389-4501

Editora: Bentham Science

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00G-M7B

DOI: 10.2174/1573399811666150615144108

Abstract (EN): The formation of competent spermatozoa is associated with the movement of large quantities of water and electrolytes in the various tissues and luminal fluids of the male reproductive tract. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cAMP-activated Cl- and HCO3- membrane transporter. CFTR gene mutations cause cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common lethal genetic disease in Caucasians. Of note, one hallmark in CF is male infertility. Indeed, mutations of CFTR gene cause abnormal production of germ cells and a reduction in germ cell quality and number. Compelling evidence illustrates that CFTR is involved in several pivotal processes for male fertility, including spermatogenesis and sperm capacitation. Recent studies show that CFTR acts as a molecular partner of specific water channels, known as aquaporins, in somatic testicular cells. Aquaporins are water-selective channels that enable high permeability fluxes of water across plasma membranes. In the male reproductive tract, water movements and ion concentrations are determinants for the male reproductive function. Therefore, aquaporins expression and function play a key role in male fertility. Herein we present an overview of the expression and function of CFTR in the male reproductive tract, highlighting the reproductive outcomes in male carriers of CFTR mutations and CF couples. We also present an up-to-date discussion on the expression and role of aquaporins in the male reproductive tract. Finally, we discuss the regulation of aquaporin-mediated water transport by CFTR in the male reproductive tract and its implication for male fertility.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 14