CatSper1, is a protein which in humans is encoded by the CATSPER1 gene.

Calcium ions play a primary role in the regulation of sperm motility. This gene belongs to a family of putative cation channels that are specific to spermatozoa and localize to the flagellum. The protein family features a single repeat with six membrane-spanning segments and a predicted calcium-selective pore region. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Gene record to access additional publications.
Function: Voltage-gated calcium channel that plays a central role in calcium-dependent physiological responses essential for successful fertilization, such as sperm hyperactivation, acrosome reaction and chemotaxis towards the oocyte. Activated by extracellular progesterone and prostaglandins following the sequence: progesterone > PGF1-alpha = PGE1 > PGA1 > PGE2 >> PGD2. The primary effect of progesterone activation is to shift voltage dependence towards more physiological, negative membrane potentials; it is not mediated by metabotropic receptors and second messengers. Sperm capacitation enhances the effect of progesterone by providing additional negative shift. Also activated by the elevation of intracellular pH.