Energy Metabolism in Spermatozoa: Glycolysis and Mitochondrial Respiration

Mammalian spermatozoa traverse outside the body to fertilize the egg in female reproductive tract. For this, spermatozoa need to maintain motility for extended periods of time under varying conditions. In cells, glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration are the two major pathways which provide energy in form of ATP. The relative contributions of these two pathways in maintaining sperm motility has been a subject of controversy. Recent research suggests that gycolysis is essential for sperm motility and that mitochondrial respiration might not be necessary.In this study, the relative roles of these two pathways in ATP production and sperm motility was re-examined. Results from this study show that mouse sperm can remain motile with ATP generated from either glycolysis or mitochondrial respiration. The role of Glycogen synthase kinase-3 in sperm ATP production has also been examined.