Real-Time Imaging of Acrosomal Calcium Dynamics and Exocytosis in Live Mouse Sperm

Roy Cohen; Danielle M. Sosnicki; Melissa A. White; Jacquelyn L. Nelson; Chinatsu Mukai; Alexander J. Travis

doi:10.3791/65962

Journal

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Developmental Biology

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Real-Time Imaging of Acrosomal Calcium Dynamics and Exocytosis in Live Mouse Sperm

JoVE Journal
Developmental Biology

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JoVE Journal Developmental Biology

Real-Time Imaging of Acrosomal Calcium Dynamics and Exocytosis in Live Mouse Sperm

913 Views

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05:04 min

•

October 13, 2023

DOI:

10.3791/65962-v

DOI:

10.3791/65962-v

•

05:04 min

October 13, 2023

•

5 Views

Roy Cohen^1,2, Danielle M. Sosnicki¹, Melissa A. White¹, Jacquelyn L. Nelson¹, Chinatsu Mukai¹, Alexander J. Travis^1,2

¹Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine,Cornell University, ²Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine,Cornell University

Transcript

Our research goal is to better understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate sperm function, including the processes such as capacitation and fertilization. Specifically, we’re exploring how membrane lipids activate calcium signaling and acrosome exocytosis. This protocol addresses the gap in our understanding of the interplay between capacitation, sperm activation, calcium signaling, and acrosome exocytosis.

The advantages of this protocol include imaging sperm under physiological conditions, as well as its ability to simultaneously monitor both calcium signaling and acrosome exocytosis without the need for complicated preloading or standing procedures.

Summary

The AcroSensE mouse model and live cell imaging methods described here provide a new approach to studying calcium dynamics in the subcellular compartment of the sperm acrosome and how they regulate intermediate steps leading to membrane fusion and acrosome exocytosis.