Correlation between Rab3A Expression and Sperm Kinematic Characteristics

Abstract

Ras-related (Rab) proteins, integral members of the monomeric G-protein family, play a pivotal role in regulating intracellular vesicular transport. These proteins contribute to male reproductive processes, specifically in acrosome formation, exocytosis, and sperm motility. Although a prior study indicated a correlation between Rab3A and sperm motility, including motion kinematic parameters such as mean dance, this association has only been explored within a limited sample size. Therefore, further verification is required to confirm the correlation between Rab3A and sperm motility parameters. In the present study, Rab3A expression, sperm motility, and motion kinematic parameters were analyzed in 150 boar spermatozoa. Additionally, correlations between Rab3A expression and sperm kinematic characteristics were evaluated statistically. The results revealed significant associations between Rab3A protein expression levels and various motion kinematic parameters. Specifically, Rab3A levels exhibited positive correlations with average path velocity (p<0.05), mean amplitude of lateral head displacement (p<0.05), and curvilinear velocity (p<0.01). Consequently, it is proposed that Rab3A protein plays a crucial role in male fertility through its correlation with sperm kinematic characteristics, making it a potential marker for sperm motility-related assessments.

Fig. 1.. Measurement of sperm motility and Rab3A expression levels in 150 boar spermatozoa samples.

(A) MOT, total sperm motility (%). (B) PRG, progressive sperm motility (%). (C) VAP, average path velocity (μm/s). (D) VCL, curvilinear velocity (μm/s). (E) VSL, straight-line velocity (μm/s). (F) ALH, mean amplitude of head lateral displacement (μm). (G) BCF, beat-cross frequency (Hz). (H) LIN, linearity (%). (I) STR, straightness (%). (J) Rab3A expression levels. n=3.

Fig. 2.. Correlation between Rab3A expression levels and sperm kinematic characteristics.

Correlations between Rab3A expression levels and (A) VAP, (B) VCL, and (C) ALH. n=3. VAP, average path velocity (μm/s); VCL, curvilinear velocity (μm/s); ALH, mean amplitude of head lateral displacement (μm).