CatSper genes and their role in male infertility: A review

Unexplained infertility is a grave concern in animals as well as humans. In animals, infertility causes huge economic losses. In humans, it accounts for 1020% of cases with overall male infertility accounting for ~30–50% of all infertility cases. Among other factors, genetic defects also cause infertility in a significant proportion of infertile males. Recently, the exploration of the calcium channels within sperm has led to the characterization of novel genes, like CatSper. This gene is very important as it codes for an exclusive cation channel for calcium. Besides CatSper, several other types of Ca²⁺ permeant channel proteins also influence sperm motility. CATSPER-related male infertility can be seen as abnormalities in sperm and can manifest as CATSPER-related non-syndromic male infertility (NSMI). CatSper is also associated with the deafness-infertility syndrome (DIS). This paper reviews the role of CatSper in causing male infertility. It also comprehensively evaluates the clinical diagnosis and management of CatSper-related male infertility. This paper also discusses CatSper channels as a possible target for male contraception.