Cation channel sperm-associated auxiliary subunit delta (CATSPERD)

Cation channel sperm-associated auxiliary subunit delta (CATSPERD) is a transmembrane protein that forms part of the CatSper complex, an essential calcium ion channel in the sperm flagellum. CATSPERD does not form the channel pore itself but acts as an auxiliary subunit crucial for the correct assembly, stability, and flagellar targeting of the CatSper channel complex. It stabilizes the CatSper1 subunit prior to the complex’s transport and incorporation into the flagellar membrane, playing a pivotal role in sperm hyperactivation needed for successful fertilization. Loss or dysfunction of CATSPERD leads to defective formation of the CatSper channel, resulting in male infertility due to non-functional sperm motility[2][4][5][1]. Key points: - CATSPERD is essential for male fertility by ensuring correct ion channel function in sperm. - It serves as a scaffold and quality-control checkpoint during channel assembly and trafficking[1][2]. - Not currently targeted by approved drugs; genetic disruption causes infertility phenotypes in animal models[2][1][6]. - Its role as a fertility biomarker may be relevant in understanding certain cases of male infertility, but there are currently no drug interactions or established pharmacological mechanisms targeting this subunit specifically.

Other names

TMEM146CatSper-deltaCatSperdeltaTransmembrane protein 146MGC39581cation channel sperm-associated auxiliary subunit deltacation channel sperm-associated protein subunit deltaCATSPERD