In sea urchin and salmon sperm, pH value regulates whether they remain immotile or swim
Phys.org
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A groundbreaking study reveals that pH levels play a critical role in determining whether sperm from sea urchins and salmon remain immotile or begin swimming. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences and the University of Bonn discovered that an increase in pH activates adenylyl cyclase (sAC), an enzyme responsible for producing cAMP, a key messenger substance that regulates sperm motility. This finding highlights a fundamental mechanism underlying reproduction in marine species and could have broader implications for understanding fertility across various aquatic organisms.
The study, published in *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, focused on how environmental pH changes influence sperm behavior. In sea urchins and salmon, higher pH levels trigger sAC activity, leading to increased cAMP production. This, in turn, prompts sperm to transition from a stationary state to active swimming, enhancing their ability to fertilize eggs. The researchers propose that this mechanism may be widespread among marine invertebrates and fish, suggesting a universal role for pH in reproductive processes.
This discovery not only deepens our understanding of how environmental factors influence fertility but also opens new avenues for research into human reproduction and infertility. By identifying the specific molecular pathways involved, scientists could develop targeted interventions to address reproductive challenges or even explore novel contraceptive methods. The findings underscore the importance of studying marine organisms to uncover universal biological principles that may apply to a wide range of species, including humans.
Verticals
sciencephysics
Originally published on Phys.org on 2/22/2026