Faculty

Our laboratory studies the role of ion-transport proteins of the plasma membrane in cell function. Research is focused on the Na,K-ATPase, an enzyme of the plasma membrane that uses the free energy from the hydrolysis of ATP to transport cytoplasmic Na+ out of the cell in exchange for extracellular K+.

The Na,K-ATPase consists of different isozymes, each resulting from the association of distinct molecular forms of the alpha ( alpha1, alpha2, alpha3 and alpha4) and beta ( beta1, beta2 and beta3) subunits that constitute the enzyme.

We are particularly interested in the alpha4 isoform, a polypeptide that is expressed in male germ cells and is present in high levels in spermatozoa. Our results show that alpha4 has a series of biochemical and functional characteristics that are highly unique and essential to sperm function and fertility.

Expression and activity of alpha4 are both up-regulated postmeiotically in the male gametes and alpha4 function is essential for sperm motility.

Our studies are directed to understand the role of alpha4 in sperm physiology, with the idea of using this transport protein as a target for male contraception.