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UC Berkeley researchers have identified an enzyme as a P4 non-genomic receptor.
About
The steroid progesterone (P4) is a major component of follicular fluid and is released by ovaries and cumulus cells surrounding the oocyte. P4 is known to cause rapid and robust elevation of sperm cytoplasmic calcium levels through binding to a non-genomic receptor. This rise in intracellular calcium leads to changes in sperm motility and primes the cell for acrosomal exocytosis, which is required for fertilization. UC Berkeley researchers have identified an enzyme as a P4 non-genomic receptor. The enzyme was found to possess progesterone-stimulated endocannabinoid hydrolase activity, and regulate human sperm activation. The technology includes methods of modulating the level and/or activity of the enzyme in a cell in an individual.
Key Benefits
potential for development of unisex contraceptives provides new approach to pain management
Applications
novel pharmacological approaches to improve male fertility development of novel non-hormonal contraceptives design new generation of painkillers clinical fertility research