A-Kinase Anchor Protein 3 (AKAP3) Antibody

Background

AKAP3 is a sperm-specific scaffold protein essential for sperm motility and capacitation. It is highly enriched in the fibrous sheath of the sperm flagellum, where it anchors PKA and other signaling molecules to regulate flagellar function and cAMP signaling. AKAP3 interacts with cAMP-binding proteins, ensuring precise localization of PKA to facilitate phosphorylation events that drive sperm motility and hyperactivation. It is also involved in sperm capacitation, where cAMP signaling leads to biochemical and structural changes necessary for fertilization. AKAP3 mutations or deficiencies impair sperm motility, leading to asthenozoospermia and infertility. Its role in organizing energy production by anchoring mitochondrial proteins highlights its importance in maintaining ATP supply for sperm movement. AKAP3 is also studied as a potential biomarker for male infertility due to its exclusive expression in sperm cells.