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Abstract
Understanding the cellular mechanisms that regulate mammalian sperm function is strategically important for both the management of male infertility and the development of novel approaches to male contraception. The spermatozoon is a transcriptionally and translationally suppressed cell that is released from the testes in a functionally inert state. Functional activation occurs in the epididymis and female tract via mechanisms that are entirely dependent on post-translational modifications. Proteomics is, therefore, the ideal technology to investigate this cell type. Herein, we comment on the proteomic analyses that have been applied to mammalian spermatozoa, including some concerns relating to data interpretation. Three comprehensive liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry lists of human, mouse and rat spermatozoa are then compared, insights into the molecular regulation of sperm function discussed and future directions speculated upon.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.