Vias de sinalização reguladoras das funções do espermatozoide

Spermatozoon is the male gamete and its main function is to fertilize the oocyte. When ejaculation occurs, this cell is immature and therefore cannot perform its function. When it contacts the female reproductive tract, the sperm undergoes capacitation. This process is characterized by biochemical and functional changes. The acrosome reaction is the last process for fertilization and it is characterized by the release of proteolytic enzymes which hydrolyze the zona pellucida. All of these processes depend of signaling pathways. Most of the signaling pathways described for somatic cells have been identified in the sperm, but their effects are not completely known. In this review the main signaling pathways of sperm are described, including PPP1CC2, cAMP/PKA, phospholipase C, PI3K‐AKT and ROS.