Sperm Membrane: Molecular Implications and Strategies for Cryopreservation in Productive Species

Sperm cryopreservation is a fundamental reproductive biotechnology, enabling the long-term storage of genetic material and supporting assisted reproduction programs. Despite its widespread application, the process is associated with significant limitations due to the cryo-induced cellular damage tha...

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Main Authors: Macarena Castro, Karla Leal, Felipe Pezo, María José Contreras
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Animals
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/12/1808
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author Macarena Castro
Karla Leal
Felipe Pezo
María José Contreras
author_facet Macarena Castro
Karla Leal
Felipe Pezo
María José Contreras
author_sort Macarena Castro
collection DOAJ
description Sperm cryopreservation is a fundamental reproductive biotechnology, enabling the long-term storage of genetic material and supporting assisted reproduction programs. Despite its widespread application, the process is associated with significant limitations due to the cryo-induced cellular damage that occurs during freezing and thawing. These injuries primarily affect the plasma membrane, nuclear DNA, and motility, thereby compromising the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa. Furthermore, interspecies variability in terms of cryo-sensitivity poses a major challenge to the development of standardized cryopreservation protocols. Recent advances have focused on mitigating cryodamage through the use of various strategies. The inclusion of antioxidants in cryopreservation media has proven effective in reducing oxidative stress, thereby enhancing cellular protection. Similarly, the addition of lipid-based supplements contributes to membrane stabilization, improving post-thaw sperm viability and functionality. Moreover, the application of omics technologies, such as transcriptomics and proteomics, has facilitated a deeper understanding of molecular damage and protective responses, paving the way for the development of tailored, species-specific protocols. These integrated approaches optimize cryopreservation conditions, maximizing post-thaw survival and the fertilizing capacity of sperm. Enhancing cryopreservation techniques not only improves the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies, but also plays a crucial role in the conservation of genetically valuable livestock species. In conclusion, the integration of biotechnological and molecular tools holds significant promise for overcoming the current limitations and advancing the efficacy of sperm cryopreservation.
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spelling doaj-art-afd4f17d1a1c425a82fc83c49eaefa162025-06-25T13:22:18ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152025-06-011512180810.3390/ani15121808Sperm Membrane: Molecular Implications and Strategies for Cryopreservation in Productive SpeciesMacarena Castro0Karla Leal1Felipe Pezo2María José Contreras3Doctorado en Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco 4810101, ChileInstituto de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco 4810101, ChileFacultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, ChileInstituto de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco 4810101, ChileSperm cryopreservation is a fundamental reproductive biotechnology, enabling the long-term storage of genetic material and supporting assisted reproduction programs. Despite its widespread application, the process is associated with significant limitations due to the cryo-induced cellular damage that occurs during freezing and thawing. These injuries primarily affect the plasma membrane, nuclear DNA, and motility, thereby compromising the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa. Furthermore, interspecies variability in terms of cryo-sensitivity poses a major challenge to the development of standardized cryopreservation protocols. Recent advances have focused on mitigating cryodamage through the use of various strategies. The inclusion of antioxidants in cryopreservation media has proven effective in reducing oxidative stress, thereby enhancing cellular protection. Similarly, the addition of lipid-based supplements contributes to membrane stabilization, improving post-thaw sperm viability and functionality. Moreover, the application of omics technologies, such as transcriptomics and proteomics, has facilitated a deeper understanding of molecular damage and protective responses, paving the way for the development of tailored, species-specific protocols. These integrated approaches optimize cryopreservation conditions, maximizing post-thaw survival and the fertilizing capacity of sperm. Enhancing cryopreservation techniques not only improves the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies, but also plays a crucial role in the conservation of genetically valuable livestock species. In conclusion, the integration of biotechnological and molecular tools holds significant promise for overcoming the current limitations and advancing the efficacy of sperm cryopreservation.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/12/1808sperm membranecryopreservationreproduction biotechnologycold shockcryoprotectants
spellingShingle Macarena Castro
Karla Leal
Felipe Pezo
María José Contreras
Sperm Membrane: Molecular Implications and Strategies for Cryopreservation in Productive Species
Animals
sperm membrane
cryopreservation
reproduction biotechnology
cold shock
cryoprotectants
title Sperm Membrane: Molecular Implications and Strategies for Cryopreservation in Productive Species
title_full Sperm Membrane: Molecular Implications and Strategies for Cryopreservation in Productive Species
title_fullStr Sperm Membrane: Molecular Implications and Strategies for Cryopreservation in Productive Species
title_full_unstemmed Sperm Membrane: Molecular Implications and Strategies for Cryopreservation in Productive Species
title_short Sperm Membrane: Molecular Implications and Strategies for Cryopreservation in Productive Species
title_sort sperm membrane molecular implications and strategies for cryopreservation in productive species
topic sperm membrane
cryopreservation
reproduction biotechnology
cold shock
cryoprotectants
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/12/1808
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AT karlaleal spermmembranemolecularimplicationsandstrategiesforcryopreservationinproductivespecies
AT felipepezo spermmembranemolecularimplicationsandstrategiesforcryopreservationinproductivespecies
AT mariajosecontreras spermmembranemolecularimplicationsandstrategiesforcryopreservationinproductivespecies