Role of Sialic Acid on Sperm

Abstract: Sialic acid (also known as neuraminic acid) is a generic term for negatively charged nine-carbon backbone amino monosaccharide which has diverse molecular structures. Combined with proteins and lipids， sialic acid forms glycoproteins and glycolipids which constitute the cell membrane and glycocalyx in multifarious organisms. Because of their involvements in various physiological processes， sialic acids are closely related with human health and diseases thus the sugar biology of sialic acids has attracted more and more attention in recent years. Particularly in the reproductive system， sialic acids play significant role in sperm protection， sperm maturation and gamete binding. Here， we summarize the research advances about the functions played by sialic acids on sperm.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2015.05.0020