EP43: Sperm Capacitation: Energy Metabolism with Dr. Melanie Balbach

The Future Conceived

The Future Conceived
EP43: Sperm Capacitation: Energy Metabolism with Dr. Melanie Balbach
Sep 15, 2025 Season 1 Episode 43
SSR Podcast

In this episode of The Future Conceived, host Cam Schmidt talks with Dr. Melanie Balbach, an assistant professor at Michigan State University, about the fascinating world of sperm metabolism. Dr. Balbach, an expert in biochemistry and molecular biology, sheds light on the process of sperm capacitation, the essential maturation step that gives sperm the power to fertilize an egg.

From the moment of ejaculation, sperm undergo a dynamic transformation, shifting from a state of metabolic dormancy to an activated, energy-hungry powerhouse. Dr. Balbach explains how sperm, despite being transcriptionally and translationally silenced, dynamically adapt their energy metabolism to meet the demands of their journey.

Listeners will learn about the interconnected dance between cell signaling and energy production, the "chicken and egg question" of which comes first, and how sperm-specific metabolic enzymes are regulated to fuel their journey. Dr. Balbach also shares insights from her groundbreaking research using stable isotope labeling, which reveals how sperm become more metabolically flexible to survive in the female reproductive tract.

Finally, the conversation delves into the exciting application of this research: the development of novel, non-hormonal male contraceptives. Discover how targeting these unique metabolic and signaling pathways could lead to a new generation of on-demand male birth control.

Join us to explore the intricate science that drives life's most fundamental journey and learn how a deeper understanding of sperm offers a glimpse into the future of reproductive science and medicine.

Episode Artwork EP43: Sperm Capacitation: Energy Metabolism with Dr. Melanie Balbach 1:18:28 Episode Artwork E42: Sperm Capacitation: Molecular Mechanisms with Dr. Pablo Visconti 1:47:02 Episode Artwork EP 41: 2025 Training Mentoring Award Interview with Marisa Bartolomei 48:14 Episode Artwork EP 40: What's New at BOR? Expanded Scope, Special Issues, and More! 29:52 Episode Artwork EP 39: Interview with 2024 Roger V Short Medal Awardee Dr. Francesca Duncan 42:51 Episode Artwork EP 38: Interview with 2024 SSR Jansen Distinguished Leadership and Service Award Winner Dr. Katherine Loveland 43:54 Episode Artwork EP 37: Interview with 2024 Carl G. Hartman Award Winner Dr. Francesco DeMayo 42:34 Episode Artwork EP 36: Interview with 2024 Fuller W. Bazer SSR International Scientist Award Winner Islam Saadeldin 19:40 Episode Artwork EP 35: Interview with 2024 Janice Bahr Junior Scientist Travel Award Winner, Dr. Xiaoqiu Wang 18:47 Episode Artwork EP 34: Interview with 2024 SSR New Investigator Award Winner, Dr. Shuo Xiao 27:16 Episode Artwork EP 33: Interview with 2024 SSR Trainee Mentoring Award Winner, Dr. Paula Cohen 19:08 Episode Artwork EP 32: Fertility Studies and Reproductive Management in Cheetahs Part II 42:27 Episode Artwork EP 31: Challenging Scientific Dogma with Greg Johnson and Ky Pohler 33:27 Episode Artwork EP 30: Interview with 2024 SSR Research Award Winner, Dr. John Davis 14:13 Episode Artwork EP 29: Interview with 2023 Carl G. Hartman Award Winner, Dr. Bruce Murphy 23:16 Episode Artwork EP 28: Interview with 2023 Roger V Short Medal Winner, Dr. Niamh Forde 13:09 Episode Artwork EP 27: The world’s first successful IVF in white rhino, interview with Dr. Thomas Hildebrandt 33:05 Episode Artwork EP 26: Interview with Dr. Joy Pate, the 2021 Trainee Mentoring Awardee 22:10 Episode Artwork EP 25: Interview with 2023 SSR Jansen Distinguished Service Award Winner Mark Mirando 36:07 Episode Artwork EP 24: Interview with 2023 Virendra B. Mahesh New Investigator Award Winner Dr. Ahmed Balboula 16:10 Episode Artwork EP 23: Interview with 2023 Fuller W Bazer SSR International Scientist Awardee, Dr. Hefeng Huang 9:09 Episode Artwork EP 22: Interview with 2023 SSR Research Award Recipient Jodi Flaws, PhD 12:15 Episode Artwork EP 21: Interview with Dr Diana Monsivais, the 2023 SSR Bahr Jr Scientist Travel Awardee 12:58 Episode Artwork EP 20: Interview with Dr. Fuller Bazer, a 50+ year long career dedicated to reproductive biology 43:35 Episode Artwork EP 19: Interview with 2023 SSR Heritage Honoree Dr. Fredrick Stormshak 28:33