Team
Physiology and Pathophysiology of Sperm cells

Dpt: Environnement, Reproduction, Infections, Cancer

Our research activities

Sperm fertilization potential mainly relies on proper sperm progression through the female genital tract and its functional activation, which involves signalling pathways that are triggered by calcium and bicarbonate. In this context, our research program aims at better defining the molecular and cellular mechanisms, which govern sperm flagellum assembly and structure in mammals, as compared to the knowledge established for cilia and flagella from lower organisms. We also investigate the metabolic and ion-dependent signaling pathways that are required for sperm functional maturation within the male and female genital tracts. Importantly, in collaboration with reproductive biology and genetic centers, we study the genetic causes and the patho-physiological mechanisms associated with asthenozoospermia, in patients presenting with isolated infertility, ciliopathies or syndromic diseases. Overall, our research program aims at improving the fundamental knowledge regarding sperm fertilization ability and improving fertility care by developing novel therapeutics and male contraceptives.
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Aminata TOURÉ

Team leader

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Our research axes

Deciphering the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in sperm flagellum assembly and structure, through comparative analyses with cilia and flagella from lower organisms

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Characterization of energy metabolic pathways and signalling pathways activated by transmembrane ion channels and receptors during sperm motility and functional activation.

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Characterization of the genetic causes and the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with male infertility to provide cues for therapeutic and contraceptive strategies.

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Our major publications

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Human Asthenozoospermia due to sperm morphological and functional defects: Update on Genetic Causes, Patient Management and Clinical Strategies

Cavarocchi E, Drouault M, Ribeiro JC, Simon V, Whitfield M† and Touré A

Andrology 2025

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CCDC65, encoding a component of the axonemal Nexin-Dynein regulatory complex, is required for sperm flagellum

Jreijiri F, Cavarocchi E†, Amiri-Yekta A, Cazin C, Hosseini SH, El Khouri E, Patrat C,…

Clin Genet 2024

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The annulus: composition, role and importance in sperm flagellum biogenesis and male fertility.

Whitfield M.

Basic Clin Androl. 2024

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DNALI1 interacts with the MEIG1/PACRG complex within the manchette and is required for proper sperm flagellum assembly in mice

Yap YT, Li W, Huang Q, Zhou Q, Zhang D, Sheng Y, Mladenovic-Lucas L, Yee…

Elife 2023 Jul 10;26(8):107354. doi:10.7554/eLife.79620.

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Identification of IQCH as a calmodulin-associated protein required for sperm motility in humans

Cavarocchi E, Sayou C, Lorès P, Cazin C, Stouvenel L, El Khouri E, Coutton C,…

iScience 2023 Jul 10;26(8):107354. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2023.107354.

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The sodium/proton exchanger SLC9C1 (sNHE) is essential for human sperm motility and fertility

Cavarocchi E, Whitfield M, Chargui A, Stouvenel L, Lorès P, Coutton C, Arnoult C, Santulli…

Clin Genet 2021 May;99(5):684-693

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Tubulin glycylation controls axonemal dynein activity, flagellar beat, and male fertility

Gadadhar S, Alvarez Viar G, Hansen JN, Gong A, Kostarev A, Ialy-Radio C, Leboucher S,…

Science 2021 Jan 8;371(6525):pii: eabd4914.

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Importance of SLC26 Transmembrane Anion Exchangers in Sperm Post- testicular Maturation and Fertilization Potential

Touré A.

Front Cell Dev Biol 2019 Oct 18;7:230

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Mutations in DNAH17, Encoding a Sperm-Specific Axonemal Outer Dynein Arm Heavy Chain, Cause Isolated Male Infertility Due to Asthenozoospermia

Whitfield M, Thomas L, Bequignon E, Schmitt A, Stouvenel L, Montantin G, Tissier S, Duquesnoy…

Am J Hum Genet 2019 Jul 3;105(1):198-212.

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Mutations in TTC29, Encoding an Evolutionarily Conserved Axonemal Protein, Result in Asthenozoospermia and Male Infertility

Lorès P, Dacheux D, Kherraf ZE, Nsota Mbango JF, Coutton C, Stouvenel L, Ialy-Radio C,…

Am J Hum Genet 2019 Dec 5;105(6):1148-1167.

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Our activities in pictures

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Our collaborations

  • AMSELEM Serge & LEGENDRE Marie, AP-HP Trousseau. France
  • BONHIVERS Mélanie, Bordeaux University. France
  • DURAND Bénédicte, Lyon University. France
  • FAUVARQUE Marie-Odile & BARETTE Caroline, CEA Grenoble. France
  • HENNEBICQ Sylviane, CHU Grenoble Alpes. France
  • PATRAT Catherine & DULIOUST Emmanuel, AP-HP Cochin. France
  • PRIP-BUUS Carina, Institut Cochin, Paris. France
  • RAY Pierre, CHU Grenoble Alpes. France
  • SAEZ Fabrice, Gred Clermont-Ferrand. France
  • SEIDLER Ursula, Hannover Medical School. Germany
  • SIRONEN Anu, University College London, UK
  • ZHANG Zhibing, Wayne State University. USA

Our technologies

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Histology & Immunohistochemistry
  • Cell Imaging: epifluorescence and high-resolution microscopy
  • Ultrastructural analyses: transmission and scanning electron microscopy
  • Proteomics
  • Sperm analyses : spermogram, spermocytogram