In the world of swine breeding, liquid storage is the go-to method for preserving semen, offering a more practical and cost-effective alternative to cryopreservation. This method has been a game-changer for the industry, but it comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in maintaining sperm quality over time. Recent research published in Scientific Reports, led by Ferran Garriga, a researcher at the Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm) at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology at the University of Girona, sheds new light on a crucial player in this process: the Sarcoplasmic/Endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA).
Garriga’s team set out to investigate the role of SERCA2 in pig sperm during liquid preservation. “We hypothesized that SERCA2 is present in pig sperm and is involved in the resilience of this cell to liquid preservation at 17°C,” Garriga explains. Their findings reveal that SERCA2 is indeed present in the acrosome and midpiece of pig sperm, playing a pivotal role in maintaining sperm quality during liquid storage.
The research involved incubating sperm with varying concentrations of thapsigargin (Thg), a compound known to inhibit SERCA, and storing them at 17°C for ten days. The results were striking. Inhibition of SERCA with Thg led to reduced sperm viability and membrane stability, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, and elevated levels of calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS). “The activity of SERCA prevents the accumulation of intracellular Ca2+ in sperm, which is detrimental to sperm quality and function during liquid storage at 17°C,” Garriga notes.
This discovery has significant implications for the swine breeding industry. By understanding the role of SERCA2, researchers and breeders can potentially develop new strategies to enhance sperm quality during liquid storage. This could lead to more efficient breeding programs, improved genetic diversity, and ultimately, higher productivity in the swine industry.
The findings also open up new avenues for research in the broader field of animal reproduction. As Garriga points out, “The function of SERCA is crucial for the preservation of pig semen.” This insight could inspire further studies on SERCA’s role in other species and its potential applications in various reproductive technologies.
As the industry continues to evolve, the integration of such scientific advancements will be key to overcoming current challenges and paving the way for future innovations. The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, marks a significant step forward in our understanding of sperm physiology and its implications for liquid preservation. The findings not only highlight the importance of SERCA2 but also underscore the need for continued research in this area to unlock new possibilities for the swine breeding industry.