Abstract: Compositions targeting sperm calcineurin may be used as topical and reversible contraceptives. The compositions may include calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus (e.g. FK506) and/or Cyclosporin A. The compositions may be gels, creams, or lotion-based formulations and may be used reversibly and locally for both males and females.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acid encoding sperm-specific protein kinase A anchoring proteins from mammalian species, recombinant expression constructs encoding said mammalian sperm-specific protein kinase A anchoring proteins, cells transformed with said constructs, and homogenous preparations of these proteins prepared using recombinant genetic techniques. The invention also provides analytic tools such as polyclonal antisera and monoclonal antibodies specific for said sperm-specific protein kinase A anchoring proteins of the invention. The invention also provides methods for isolating nucleic acid encoding mammalian sperm-specific protein kinase A anchoring proteins and recombinant genetic methods for producing said mammalian sperm-specific protein kinase A anchoring proteins of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acid encoding sperm-specific protein kinase A anchoring proteins from mammalian species, recombinant expression constructs encoding said mammalian sperm-specific protein kinase A anchoring proteins, cells transformed with said constructs, and homogenous preparations of these proteins prepared using recombinant genetic techniques. The invention also provides analytic tools such as polyclonal antisera and monoclonal antibodies specific for said sperm-specific protein kinase A anchoring proteins of the invention. The invention also provides methods for isolating nucleic acid encoding mammalian sperm-specific protein kinase A anchoring proteins and recombinant genetic methods for producing said mammalian sperm-specific protein kinase A anchoring proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pharmaceutical composition having an effective contraceptive amount of a synthetic peptide that includes an amphipathic .alpha.-helix domain that binds to an RII subunit of protein kinase A, and competitively inhibits the binding of protein kinase A to sperm A kinase anchoring proteins. Particular disclosed synthetic peptides having this activity include s-Ht31: N-Stearate-DLIEEAASRIVDAVIEQVKAAGAY (SEQ ID No. 9), s-Ht31-P: N-Stearate-DLIEEAASRPVDAVPEQVKAAGAY (SEQ ID No. 10), and s-AKAP79: N-Stearate-YETLLIETASSLVKNAIQLSIE (SEQ ID No. 11). The invention also includes methods of inhibiting sperm motility, by exposing them to an effective amount of the peptide, for example by placing the pharmaceutical composition (such as a suppository, foam, cream, or gel) in the vagina.

Abstract: A method of promoting or blocking fertilization, which method includes the step of contacting sperm either at the time of sperm capacitation or at the time of egg fertilization with an effective amount of bombesin or its analog capable of stimulating or inhibiting the acrosome reaction.

Abstract: A pure DNA encoding a peptide which is capable of promoting acrosome reaction and the encoded peptide. Also disclosed are a vector and a cell containing such a DNA, a pharmaceutical composition which includes such a peptide, a method of promoting fertilization using such a peptide, and a method of preparing such a peptide by recombinant technology.