Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
Role of Actin in Spermatozoa Function Through
Biological Network Theory
I. Saponaro, N. Bernab
`
, G. Todisco, P. Lucidi, and P. Berardinelli
Abstract The effect of the actin polymerization inhibitor cytochalasin D during
in vitro capacitation of boar spermatozoa was assessed. In particular, the acquisition
of fertilizing ability and the main intracellular signaling pathways were analyzed. It
was found that treated spermatozoa were unable to carry out capacitation, even if
the biochemical analyses of the signaling machineries failed to elucidate any
biochemical alterations. Using a computational model based on the biological
networks theory and representing the molecular interactions involved in male
gamete post-ejaculatory life, it was possible to explain these data: actin polymeri-
zation interacted with different subcellular compartments, acting as a coordinator of
molecular pathways involved in sperm cell function.
Keywords Biological networks Capacitation Cytochalasin D Spermatozoa
6.1
Introduction
The evolution of eukaryotes has been accompanied by an increase in the efficiency
of signal transduction, produced by the spatial segregation of metabolic pathways
and, at the same time, by an increase in their complexity. In fact, the same
molecules can have different functions, depending on the subcellular compartment
and the cell type within which they are expressed. For this reason, it is necessary,
for the functional integration of different subcellular compartments, the presence of
molecules that play a role within specific signaling pathways and that are delegated
to the coordination of metabolic events.
The relevance of this topic in the study of physiology and pathology of cells,
organs, and systems has led to the introduction of a new descriptive approach that
I. Saponaro N. Bernab` (
*
) G. Todisco P. Lucidi P. Berardinelli
Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
e-mail:
nbernabo@unite.it
