3D structure and in situ arrangements of CatSper channel in the sperm flagellum

Yanhe Zhao, Huafeng Wang, Caroline Wiesehoefer, Naman B. Shah, Evan Reetz, Jae Yeon Hwang, Xiaofang Huang, Tse en Wang, Polina V. Lishko, Karen M. Davies, Gunther Wennemuth, Daniela Nicastro, Jean Ju Chung

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

The sperm calcium channel CatSper plays a central role in successful fertilization as a primary Ca2+ gateway. Here, we applied cryo-electron tomography to visualize the higher-order organization of the native CatSper complex in intact mammalian sperm. The repeating CatSper units form long zigzag-rows along mouse and human sperm flagella. Above each tetrameric channel pore, most of the extracellular domains form a canopy that interconnects to a zigzag-shaped roof. Murine CatSper contains an additional wing-structure connected to the tetrameric channel. The intracellular domains link two neighboring channels to a diagonal array, suggesting a dimer formation. Fitting of an atomic model of isolated monomeric CatSper to the in situ map reveals supramolecular interactions and assembly of the CatSper complex. Loss of EFCAB9-CATSPERζ alters the architecture and interactions of the channels, resulting in fragmentation and misalignment of the zigzag-rows and disruption of flagellar movement in Efcab9−/− sperm. This work offers unique insights into the structural basis for understanding CatSper regulation of sperm motility.

Original languageEnglish
Article number3439
JournalNature communications
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2022

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '3D structure and in situ arrangements of CatSper channel in the sperm flagellum'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this