AMPK Regulation in Spermatozoa Function and Quality

Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) serves as a central metabolic sensor in spermatozoa, coupling cellular energy status to the regulation of motility, membrane integrity and fertilising capacity. Activation of AMPK by an elevated AMP/ATP ratio or by upstream kinases ensures that energy‐consuming processes such as flagellar beating and acrosome reaction are adjusted to the available resources. In addition to directing catabolic and anabolic pathways, AMPK modulates antioxidant defence systems, mitochondrial function and lipid-peroxidation pathways to preserve sperm viability under physiological and storage conditions. The spatial localisation of both total and phosphorylated AMPK within the sperm head and midpiece underscores its direct role in motility regulation and membrane maintenance. Dysregulation of AMPK activity has been linked to reduced fertilisation rates, impaired cryotolerance and oxidative damage, emphasising its significance in both natural reproduction and assisted reproductive technologies. Recent work has further elucidated the interplay between AMPK signalling, epigenetic modification and microRNA expression, highlighting novel mechanisms by which paternal metabolic state may influence sperm quality and subsequent embryo development.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated that non-thermal plasma treatment of avian spermatozoa can enhance motility and bioenergetic function through modulation of AMPK and mTOR pathways. Optimised plasma exposure conditions were shown to increase adenosine triphosphate production and respiratory enzyme activity, while carefully controlling reactive oxygen species to avoid deleterious effects. A complementary investigation revealed that plasma-induced DNA demethylation and shifts in microRNA expression within the testis upregulate genes involved in energy metabolism and antioxidant defence, thereby elevating sperm count, motility and fertilisation period in chickens. These findings collectively highlight a previously unrecognised epigenetic axis by which environmental stimuli engage AMPK signalling to improve sperm functionality.

AMPK Regulation in Spermatozoa Function and Quality publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in ampk regulation in spermatozoa function and quality across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

AMPK: A heterotrimeric serine/threonine kinase that senses cellular energy status via AMP/ATP binding and regulates metabolic pathways.

Phosphorylation: The addition of a phosphate group to a protein or molecule, often modulating its activity or interactions.

Acrosome reaction: The exocytotic release of enzymes from the sperm head, enabling penetration of the egg’s protective layers.

Mitochondrial membrane potential: The electrochemical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane that drives ATP synthesis.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen, which at controlled levels act as signalling mediators but in excess cause oxidative damage.

Cryopreservation: The process of preserving cells or tissues at subzero temperatures to maintain functionality upon thawing.

References

1. AMPK Function in Mammalian Spermatozoa. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2018).
2. The 5’-AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) Is Involved in the Augmentation of Antioxidant Defenses in Cryopreserved Chicken Sperm. PLOS ONE (2015).
3. AMP-Activated Kinase AMPK Is Expressed in Boar Spermatozoa and Regulates Motility. PLOS ONE (2012).
4. Non-thermal plasma treatment improves chicken sperm motility via the regulation of demethylation levels. Scientific Reports (2018).
5. Demethylation and microRNA differential expression regulate plasma-induced improvement of chicken sperm quality. Scientific Reports (2019).
6. Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) Improves Boar Sperm Quality and Antioxidant Capacity in Liquid Preservation (17°C) Linked to AMPK Activity Maintenance. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2022).
7. Antioxidants and Oxidants in Boar Spermatozoa and Their Surrounding Environment Are Associated with AMPK Activation during Liquid Storage. Veterinary Sciences (2023).
8. Metformin improves boar sperm quality via 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase-mediated energy metabolism in vitro. 动物学研究 (2020).