Sperm Metabolism

Abstract

Bioenergetics plays a crucial role in sperm functions, including motility, capacitation-related protein modifications, oocyte recognition and interaction, all of which are essential for fertilization. Sperm metabolism is recognized as flexible, responding to environmental cues and energetic demands during ejaculation, the journey along the female tract, and until fertilization. Recent studies suggest that sperm metabolic functions are relevant beyond fertilization and may influence zygote and embryo development, impacting paternal-derived effects on offspring development and health. In recent years, sperm metabolic functions and homeostasis have gained increasing interest in male reproduction research. Given the crucial implications of sperm metabolism on fertility-related processes, this field is of interest not only in human male fertility but also in livestock research, semen conservation, and assisted reproductive techniques. Newly developed assessment tools are allowing a better understanding of sperm metabolism under different conditions and identifying species-specific peculiarities. This review aims to discuss the current knowledge of mammalian sperm metabolism, focusing on species-specific features, changes during the sperm journey, and potential contributions to translational research and reproductive biotechnologies. Furthermore, we propose future perspectives on sperm bioenergetics research.