The Chung Lab @ Yale

prev / next

Back to Home

Egg interaction with a spermatozoon.jpg

PDF_proof_hi_no legend.jpg

Life perpetuates through successful fertilization. We study membrane receptors, ion channels, and their downstream signaling molecules that regulate sperm motility and fertility in mammals. In particular, we study the primary calcium channel “CatSper” and its accessory subunits. Strong evolutionary pressures on reproduction have endowed sperm with highly evolved and specialized calcium signaling complexes. A long-term goal is to elucidate the unique molecular and structural adaptations in the ion channel complex that mediate successful fertilization in mammalian reproduction. To this end, we use a variety of approaches, including mouse and human genetics, biochemical studies, dynamic optical imaging of live cells, and state-of-the-art super-resolution microscopy. Our research has clinical implications for the treatment of human infertility and contraception, and advances our understanding of cell signaling.

Photo credits: Jean-Ju Chung