• PMID: 26223325
• Gene Name: ARPC2
• Condition: Male infertility
• Association: Associated
• Sex: Male
• Infertility type: Male infertility
• Other associated phenotypes: Male infertility

Actin-related protein 2/3 complex-based actin polymerization is critical for male fertility

Lee JS, Kwon WS, Rahman MS, Yoon SJ, Park YJ, Pang MG.

The actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) complex is critical for regulation of actin polymerization, which is associated with sperm motility and capacitation status. However, the function of the Arp2/3 complex in male fertility has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the role of the Arp2/3 complex in different processes in spermatozoa and its consequences on fertilization and early embryonic development. In this in vitro study, mouse spermatozoa were incubated with different concentrations (10, 100, and 500 μm) of CK-636, an Arp2/3 complex antagonist. Our results demonstrated that inhibition of the Arp2/3 complex by high concentrations (100 and 500 μm) of CK-636 induced hyper-activated motility and acrosomal reaction, whereas intracellular calcium and tyrosine phosphorylation levels in spermatozoa were inhibited. Moreover, exposure of spermatozoa to the highest concentration of CK-636 reduced fertilization and embryo development. Interestingly, fertilization was significantly increased after treatment with 100 μm CK-636, whereas embryonic development was significantly decreased. Therefore, we conclude that the Arp2/3 complex plays a decisive role in regulation of sperm function and male fertility via actin polymerization. We anticipate that the Arp2/3 complex may have clinical application as marker for male fertility and male contraceptive targeting. CI - © 2015 American Society of Andrology and European Academy of Andrology. FAU - Lee, J S AU - Lee JS AD - Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea. FAU - Kwon, W S AU - Kwon WS AD - Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea. FAU - Rahman, M S AU - Rahman MS AD - Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea. FAU - Yoon, S J AU - Yoon SJ AD - Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea. FAU - Park, Y J AU - Park YJ AD - Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea.