Ion Transport and Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Regulation of Mammalian Sperm Capacitation

Mammalian sperm capacitation depends on controlled changes in ion flux, membrane potential, and intracellular pH. These changes activate the signalling pathways that regulate sperm motility, protein phosphorylation, hyperactivation, and readiness for acrosomal exocytosis. Yet ion transport is often studied separately from the reproductive fluids in which capacitation occurs.Extracellular vesicles in seminal and follicular fluids may provide an important regulatory link. By interacting with the sperm membrane and transferring functional cargo, these vesicles could modify ion channels, transporters, and downstream signalling. How this regulation operates, and whether it is conserved across mammalian species, remains poorly understood.This Research Topic will connect ion transport and extracellular vesicle biology within a shared mechanistic framework. It seeks to clarify how reproductive fluids regulate sperm capacitation and to distinguish conserved mechanisms from species-specific adaptations. Comparative studies beyond established rodent and human models are particularly encouraged, with potential relevance to fertility, assisted reproduction, animal breeding, and conservation.We welcome studies addressing:1. Ion channels, transporters, pH regulation, and membrane potential during capacitation2. Extracellular vesicle effects on sperm membrane function and ionic signalling3. Links between ion flux, motility, hyperactivation, and acrosomal responsiveness4. Comparative mechanisms of capacitation across mammalian species5. Experimental methods that directly resolve sperm ion transport or vesicle-mediated regulation Topic editors: Alireza Mansouri Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85248/ion-transport-and-extracellular-vesicle-mediated-regulation-of-mammalian-sperm-capacitation