Sperm-Specific Cation Channel, Catsper2, and Uses Therefor

Abstract

Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper2) are disclosed. The CatSper2 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper2 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper2 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper2, methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper2-mediated disorders, including infertility, as well as methods of doing business related to CatSper2-mediated disorders.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A transgenic mouse comprising a modification into the mouse, the modification comprising an insertion of a nucleic acid encoding a CatSper2 protein, the CatSper2 protein comprising at least 90% similarity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5, and wherein the CatSper2 protein has CatSper2 activity. 
     
     
         2 . A transgenic mouse comprising a modification into the mouse, wherein the modification is replacement of an endogenous CatSper2 protein sequence with a reporter or marker gene, wherein the CatSper2 protein comprises at least 90% similarity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5. 
     
     
         3 . A transgenic mouse comprising a modification into the mouse, the modification comprising inactivation of an endogenous CatSper2 protein, wherein the CatSper2 protein comprises at least 90% similarity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5. 
     
     
         4 . The transgenic mouse of  claim 1 , wherein the modification is by homologous recombination to result in expression of a reporter gene. 
     
     
         5 . The transgenic mouse of  claim 1 , wherein the modification is by homologous recombination to result in expression of a marker gene. 
     
     
         6 . The transgenic mouse of any one of  claims 1 - 3 , wherein the CatSper2 sequences are conspecific to the transgenic mouse. 
     
     
         7 . The transgenic mouse of any one of  claims 1 - 3 , wherein the CatSper2 sequences are transpecific to the transgenic mouse.