PAKISTAN
VETERINARY
JOURNAL
     
 
previous page   Pak Vet J, xxxx, xx(x) xxx-xxx   next page
 
Comparative Genomics Analysis of Cation Channel Sperm-associated Proteins (CATSPERs) Associated with Sperm Motility in Livestock
 
Kun Li1,2, Mubbashar Hassan3, Hafiz Ishfaq Ahmad4*, Abid Hussain Shahzad3, Sanan Raza3, Iram Qadeer5, Sayyed Aun Muhammad6, and Wentong Liu7*

1College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; 2School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Arts and Science, 296 Longzhong Road, Xiangyang, 441053, China; 3Department of Clinical Sciences, Theriogenology Section, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub Campus UVAS, Lahore, Pakistan; 4Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan; 5Department of Zoology, The Govt. Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan; 6Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub Campus UVAS, Lahore, Pakistan; 7School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Arts and Science, 296 Longzhong Road, Xiangyang, 441053, China.

*Corresponding author: ishfaq.ahmad@iub.edu.pk; 11847@hbuas.edu.cn

Abstract   

The CATSPER gene family encodes essential ion channels that govern sperm motility and male fertility across mammalian species. This study presents a comprehensive evolutionary and functional analysis of CATSPER genes (CATSPER 1-4) in cattle, sheep and pigs, integrating comparative genomics, analysis of selection pressure, and structural characterization. Using maximum likelihood models (M1a/M2a and M7/M8), strong signatures of positive selection in all four CATSPER genes were identified (2Δℓ=38.27-67.45, P<0.05), with Bayesian Empirical Bayes analysis revealing 11-17 positively selected sites per gene. These adaptive mutations were predominantly located in ion transport domains (Pfam) and showed lineage-specific patterns, particularly in primate CATSPER2/4. Concurrently, purifying selection maintained critical functional regions, as evidenced by high conservation scores (ConSurf) and structural integrity (ERRAT>74.32). Phylogenetic reconstruction demonstrated deep conservation of CATSPER proteins across Artiodactyla, with gene duplication events observed in rodent lineages. Functional characterization revealed 4-6 transmembrane domains per protein and identified key post-translational modification sites (phosphorylation, glycosylation). Protein-protein interaction networks (STRING) implicated CATSPER in a reproductive complex with AKAP3, SPAG6/16, and CABYR, regulating flagellar calcium signaling. Notably, nuclear hormone receptor binding motifs were predicted in promoter regions, suggesting endocrine regulation of CATSPER expression. These findings provide evolutionary and mechanistic insights into CATSPER-mediated fertility, highlighting the followings: 1) Adaptive evolution in ion transport domains correlates with species-specific sperm motility requirements, 2) Structural conservation maintains core channel function despite lineage-specific adaptations, and 3) Protein interaction networks integrate CATSPER into broader sperm motility pathways. The study establishes a framework for targeting CATSPER variants in livestock breeding programs and informs comparative models of male fertility across mammals.

To Cite This Article: Kun L, Hassan M, Ahmad HI, Shahzad AH, Raza S, Qadeer I, Muhammad SA and Liu W 2025. Comparative genomics analysis of cation channel sperm-associated proteins (CATSPERs) associated with sperm motility in livestock. Pak Vet J. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2025.240

 
 
   
 

ISSN 0253-8318 (Print)
ISSN 2074-7764 (Online)



scopus
 
DOI
 
DOAJ SEAL
  
SCImago Journal & Country Rank