Proteomic Applications in Male Fertility
Summary
Proteomics has emerged as a pivotal tool in elucidating the molecular underpinnings of male fertility by enabling large-scale characterisation of spermatozoal proteins and their modifications. Advanced workflows combining separation techniques and mass spectrometry permit quantitative profiling of thousands of proteins from sperm cells, seminal plasma and exosomal fractions. Such analyses have revealed networks of proteins governing capacitation, motility, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress resilience. Insights into post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and glycosylation, have shed light on the regulation of the acrosome reaction and sperm–egg recognition. By comparing proteomic signatures of fertile and subfertile males across human and animal models, researchers are developing biomarker panels to improve diagnostic precision, guide personalised interventions and explore novel contraceptive targets. Collectively, these applications underscore the global relevance of sperm proteomics in reproductive medicine, agriculture and basic science.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Recent proteomic surveys of capacitated spermatozoa have identified fertility-related markers whose abundance correlates with reproductive outcomes in field trials. One study revealed that elevated expression of mitochondrial respiratory complex subunits and antioxidant enzymes in post-capacitation sperm predicted larger litter sizes, paving the way for more sensitive prognostic assays. A complementary investigation focused on low-fertility boar samples and detected a suite of negative biomarkers, predominantly enzymes of the glutathione metabolic pathway and signalling regulators linked to acrosomal integrity. These findings not only refine our understanding of proteins that impair sperm function but also suggest management strategies for animal breeding and translational approaches in human infertility.
Proteomic Applications in Male Fertility publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in proteomic applications in male fertility across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Proteomics: The large-scale study of the full complement of proteins expressed in a cell, tissue or organism.
Mass spectrometry: An analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ionised particles to identify and quantify proteins and their modifications.
Biomarker: A measurable molecule whose presence, absence or abundance is indicative of a biological state or condition.
Capacitation: A functional maturation process that spermatozoa undergo in the female tract to acquire fertilisation competence.
Acrosome reaction: The exocytotic event in sperm head membranes enabling penetration of the oocyte’s outer layers.
Post-translational modification: A chemical alteration of a protein after synthesis, affecting its activity, localisation or interactions.
References
- Integration of omics studies indicates that species-dependent molecular mechanisms govern male fertility. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology (2023).
- Discovery of Predictive Biomarkers for Litter Size in Boar Spermatozoa*. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics (2015).
- Proteomic approaches for profiling negative fertility markers in inferior boar spermatozoa. Scientific Reports (2015).
- Sperm Proteomics: Road to Male Fertility and Contraception. International Journal of Endocrinology (2013).
About these summaries
This Nature Research Intelligence Topic summary is created with the cited references and a large language model. We take care to ground generated text with facts, and have systems in place to gain human feedback on the overall quality of the process in line with our AI principles. We strive to create accurate and useful summaries for people unfamiliar with the research topic and that supports this goal. These pages are a beta release and will be updated as we learn how best to help people gain value from a research topic summary.
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.