Sperm cell energy metabolism

Sperm cell energy metabolism refers to the ensemble of biochemical pathways responsible for ATP production in spermatozoa, including glycolysis (located mainly in the principal piece of the flagellum), the tricarboxylic acid (Krebs) cycle, oxidative phosphorylation (in mitochondria of the midpiece), and to a lesser extent fatty acid β-oxidation. ATP produced by these pathways powers sperm motility, capacitation, hyperactivation, the acrosome reaction, and ion transport, all of which are essential for fertilization. Mitochondrial and glycolytic energy metabolism are closely integrated, with species-dependent contributions to total ATP supply. Disruption of these pathways by metabolic, genetic, or environmental insults is strongly associated with male infertility. “Sperm cell energy metabolism” does not correspond to a singular druggable protein or receptor, but is a concept encompassing the energy-producing machinery required for sperm function and fertility.

Other names

Sperm energy metabolismSpermatozoal bioenergeticsSperm ATP production pathways

Drugs that target sperm cell energy metabolism could act as enzyme inhibitors, mitochondrial poisons, or uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation, but no specific, approved pharmacological interventions target “sperm cell energy metabolism” as a whole.