INVESTIGADORES
BERBERIAN Maria Victoria
artículos
Título:
The molecular chaperone Cysteine String Protein is required for monomeric SNARE proteins to assemble in trans complexes during human sperm acrosomal exocytosis
Autor/es:
FLORES MONTERO KARINA; BERBERIAN MARIA VICTORIA* (CA); MAYORGA LUIS; TOMES CLAUDIA; RUETE CELESTE
Revista:
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION (ONLINE)
Editorial:
Oxford University Press
Referencias:
Año: 2023 vol. 108 p. 229 - 240
ISSN:
1529-7268
Resumen:
Membrane fusion in sperm cells is crucial for acrosomal exocytosis and must be preserved to ensure fertilizing capacity. Evolutionarily conserved protein machinery regulates acrosomal exocytosis. Molecular chaperones play a vital role in spermatogenesis and post-testicular maturation. Cysteine String Protein (CSP) is a member of the Hsp40 co-chaperones and the participation of molecular chaperones in acrosomal exocytosis is poorly understood. In particular, the role of CSP in acrosomal exocytosis has not been reported so far. Using Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence, we show that CSP is present in human sperm, is palmitoylated and predominantly bound to membranes. Moreover, using functional assays and Transmission Electron Microscopy, we report that blocking the function of CSP avoided the assembly of trans-complexes and inhibited exocytosis. In summary, here we describe the presence of CSP in human sperm and show that this protein has an essential role in membrane fusion during acrosomal exocytosis mediating the trans-SNARE complex assembly between the outer acrosomal and plasma membranes. In general, understanding CSP?s role is critical in identifying new biomarkers and generating new rational-based approaches to treat male infertility.