The last few years have seen an explosion in the number of voltage-dependent ion channel sequences detected in sperm and testes. The complex structural paradigm of these channels is now known to include a pore-forming alpha1 subunit(s) whose electrophysiological properties are modulated by an intracellular beta subunit, a disulfide-linked complex of a membrane-spanning delta subunit with an ext...

T he spermatozoon is a marvelous machine designed by nature for the single task of finding an oocyte, delivering its genetic payload, and initiating the formation of a new embryo. Like many of the most specialized and sophisticated mechanical creations of humans, the sperm is fitted with unique components and stripped of unneeded hardware, including most of its biosynthetic equipment. As a cons...