Voltage-dependent anion channel isoform 3 as a potential male contraceptive drug target.

ABSTRACT

Voltage-dependent anion channel isoform 3 (VDAC3), a channel in the mitochondrial outer membrane, has been suggested to play a role in the regulation of ATP transport and Ca2+ homeostasis. These processes are regarded as important for spermatozoa motility. Accordingly, in previous years, mutations in the VDAC3-encoding gene were detected in spermatozoa with low motility from infertile patients. Therefore, it can be assumed that these mutations would cause alteration of the structure and/or charge of the VDAC3 channel. The review is focused on current knowledge about contribution of VDAC3 activity to human spermatozoa motility and morphology. We also discuss the possibility of designing new molecules that could specifically block the VDAC3 channel and consequently act as male contraceptives.