Topic of Research

The detection of chemical and physical cues, which provides information on food, mates, danger, and pathogens, is essential for the survival of whole animals as well as for single cells. Sperm are a powerful model to elucidate the basic principles underlying sensory signal transduction. The signaling pathways and molecules that govern sensory signaling in sperm are similar to those in sensory neurons that detect for example mechanical force, odors, or light. Swimming up the oviduct resembles a relay race during which sperm are instructed by long- and short-range cues to navigate by rheotaxis and chemotaxis. By the kinetic stopped- and quenched-flow technique and patch-clamp recordings, combined with fluorescent ion- and voltage-sensitive indicators, we study sensory signal transduction in sperm. In particular, we are interested in the ion channels, receptors, and cellular messengers that allow sperm to register chemical cues released by the egg.