Author/Editor		Keber, Rok; Rozman, Damjana; Horvat, Simona
Title		Sterols in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation
Type		članek
Source		J Lipid Res
Vol. and No.		Letnik 54, št. 1
Publication year		2013
Volume		str. 20-33
Language		eng
Abstract		Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex developmental program in which a diploid progenitor germ cell transforms into highly specialized spermatozoa. One intriguing aspect of sperm production is the dynamic change in membrane lipid composition that occurs throughout spermatogenesis. Interestingly, cholesterol content, as well as its intermediates, differs vastly between the male reproductive system and non-gonadal tissues. Accumulation of cholesterol precursors such as testis meiosis-activating sterol (T-MAS) and desmosterol is observed in testes and spermatozoa from several mammalian species. Moreover, cholesterogenic genes, especially MAS-producing enzyme cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase (CYP51), display stage-specific expression patterns during spermatogenesis. Discrepancies in gene expression patterns suggest a complex temporal and cell-type specific regulation of sterol compounds during spermatogenesis, which also involves dynamic interactions between germ and Sertoli cells. The functional importance of sterol compounds in sperm production is further supported by the modulation of sterol composition in spermatozoal membranes during epididymal transit and in the female reproductive tract, which is a prerequisite for successful fertilization. However, the exact role of sterols in male reproduction is currently unknown. This review discusses sterol dynamics in sperm maturation and describes recent methodological advances that will help to illuminate the complexity of sperm formation and function.
Descriptors		SPERM MATURATION SPERMATOGENESIS STEROLS MEIOSIS MATURATION-PROMOTING FACTOR CYTOCHROME P-450 CHOLESTEROL TESTIS SPERMATOZOA