Functional role of membrane-bound adenylyl cyclases and coupled to them receptors and G-proteins in regulation of fertility of spermatozoa

The cAMP-dependent signaling cascades play the key role in regulation of fertility of spermatozoa. Synthesis of cAMP in spermatozoa is realized both by soluble, and by transmembrane (membrane-bound) forms of adenylyl cyclases (AC). For the recent years numerous data appeared about the presence in spermatozoa at different stages of their maturation of a wide spectrum isoforms of membrane-bound AC and their regulation by hormones and hormone-like substances via the coupled to B-proteins receptors (GPCR). Agonists of GPCR in spermatozoa can be adenosine, biogenic amines, peptide hormones, odorants. Study of structural-functional organization and regulatory properties of AC of the signal system in spermatozoa is of great practical significance for reproductive technologies, as via the membrane-bound AC forms and signal cascades there are controlled such processes as motility and chemotaxis of spermatozoa, their capability for capacitation acrosomal reaction. In the review there are summarized and analyzed data on functioning and role of AC of signal system in spermatozoa of human and vertebrate animals and are discussed achievements and unsolved problems in this field.