Cation channels of sperm
Encyclopedia
The cation channels of sperm also known as Catsper channels or CatSper, are ion channel
s that are related to the two-pore channels and distantly related to TRP channels. The four members of this family form voltage-gated
Ca2+ channels that seem to be specific to sperm. These channels are required for proper fertilization. The study of these channels has been slow because they do not traffic to the cell membrane
in many heterologous
systems.
Ion channel
Ion channels are pore-forming proteins that help establish and control the small voltage gradient across the plasma membrane of cells by allowing the flow of ions down their electrochemical gradient. They are present in the membranes that surround all biological cells...
s that are related to the two-pore channels and distantly related to TRP channels. The four members of this family form voltage-gated
Voltage-gated ion channel
Voltage-gated ion channels are a class of transmembrane ion channels that are activated by changes in electrical potential difference near the channel; these types of ion channels are especially critical in neurons, but are common in many types of cells....
Ca2+ channels that seem to be specific to sperm. These channels are required for proper fertilization. The study of these channels has been slow because they do not traffic to the cell membrane
Cell membrane
The cell membrane or plasma membrane is a biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment. The cell membrane is selectively permeable to ions and organic molecules and controls the movement of substances in and out of cells. It basically protects the cell...
in many heterologous
Heterologous
In medicine a heterologous transplant means 'between species' or 'from one species to another'.In cell biology and protein biochemistry, heterologous expression means that a protein is experimentally put into a cell that does not normally make that protein...
systems.