NYD-SP17 Activators

NYD-SP17, also known as cation channel sperm-associated protein 4 (CatSper4), is a protein in humans encoded by the CATSPER4 gene. It is part of the CatSper family of proteins, which are voltage-gated calcium channels specifically expressed in the membrane of sperm cells. These proteins are essential for sperm motility and are directly involved in the regulation of sperm hyperactivation, a vigorous form of motility necessary for fertilization.The CatSper complex is composed of multiple subunits, and NYD-SP17 is believed to contribute to the proper function and structure of this complex. While the exact role of NYD-SP17 within the CatSper channel is not entirely clear, it is thought to modulate the channel's activity or affect its localization within the sperm cell.

Calcium influx through CatSper channels is crucial for several aspects of sperm function. It triggers the whip-like motion of the flagellum that propels the sperm towards the egg. This calcium entry is also pivotal during capacitation, a maturation process that sperm undergo in the female reproductive tract, preparing them for the acrosome reaction and subsequent penetration of the egg's outer layers.Mutations in the genes encoding CatSper proteins, including NYD-SP17, can lead to male infertility due to impaired sperm motility. Given its significance in sperm physiology, NYD-SP17 is a potential target for the development of contraceptives that could selectively inhibit CatSper channel activity.