Sperm-specific cation channel, CATSPER3, and uses therefor

摘要

Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper3) are disclosed. The CatSper3 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper3 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper3 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper3, and methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper3-mediated disorders, including infertility. Related business methods are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method of selecting a compound having potential contraceptive activity, the method comprising:
(a) contacting a candidate compound with a cell expressing a CatSper3 protein, the CatSper3 protein comprising at least 90% similarity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the CatSper3 protein has CatSper3 activity; (b) measuring an indicator of CatSper3 activity in said cell, wherein the indicator is selected from the group consisting of the level of mRNA encoding the CatSper3 protein, the level of CatSper3 protein, cation flux across a membrane of the cell, whole cell currents of the cell, and channel currents of the cell; (c) determining whether said candidate compound caused a decrease in CatSper3 activity in said cell relative to CatSper3 activity prior to contact with the candidate compound; and (d) selecting said candidate compound that causes a decrease in CatSper3 activity as having potential contraceptive activity.