Organization and modifications of sperm acrosomal molecules during spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation.

The mammalian acrosome is a highly specialized organelle overlying the anterior part of the sperm nucleus and contains a variety of proteins, including hydrolytic enzymes and matrix molecules. Functionally, the anterior acrosome is involved in the acrosome reaction or sperm-zona pellucida interaction, while the equatorial segment (posterior acrosome) is involved in sperm-egg fusion. The acrosome is formed during spermiogenesis, during which associated molecules are transported from the Golgi apparatus and organized. Many of the molecules thus arranged gradually become compartmentalized during sperm passage through the epididymis. Some of them are further modified during the fertilization process. The findings indicate that acrosomal molecules are not only restricted to a specific region (domain) of the acrosome but also undergo ongoing relocation in a stage-specific manner during sperm maturation in the testis and epididymis. Such maturation-associated modifications are considered essential for sperm molecules to reach the correct or final site before fertilization. This review focuses on the organization and modifications of the acrosomal molecules as well as their compartmentalization within the acrosome. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.