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Mechanisms of Sperm–Egg Interactions: What Ascidian Fertilization Research Has Taught Us. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132096. [PMID: 35805180 PMCID: PMC9265791 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is an essential process in terrestrial organisms for creating a new organism with genetic diversity. Before gamete fusion, several steps are required to achieve successful fertilization. Animal spermatozoa are first activated and attracted to the eggs by egg-derived chemoattractants. During the sperm passage of the egg’s extracellular matrix or upon the sperm binding to the proteinaceous egg coat, the sperm undergoes an acrosome reaction, an exocytosis of acrosome. In hermaphrodites such as ascidians, the self/nonself recognition process occurs when the sperm binds to the egg coat. The activated or acrosome-reacted spermatozoa penetrate through the proteinaceous egg coat. The extracellular ubiquitin–proteasome system, the astacin-like metalloproteases, and the trypsin-like proteases play key roles in this process in ascidians. In the present review, we summarize our current understanding and perspectives on gamete recognition and egg coat lysins in ascidians and consider the general mechanisms of fertilization in animals and plants.
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Merc V, Frolikova M, Komrskova K. Role of Integrins in Sperm Activation and Fertilization. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11809. [PMID: 34769240 PMCID: PMC8584121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that represent a large group of cell adhesion receptors involved in cell-cell, cell-extracellular matrix, and cell-pathogen interactions. Integrin receptors are an important part of signalization pathways and have an ability to transmit signals into and out of cells and participate in cell activation. In addition to somatic cells, integrins have also been detected on germ cells and are known to play a crucial role in complex gamete-specific physiological events, resulting in sperm-oocyte fusion. The main aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on integrins in reproduction and deliver novel perspectives and graphical interpretations presenting integrin subunits localization and their dynamic relocation during sperm maturation in comparison to the oocyte. A significant part of this review is devoted to discussing the existing view of the role of integrins during sperm migration through the female reproductive tract; oviductal reservoir formation; sperm maturation processes ensuing capacitation and the acrosome reaction, and their direct and indirect involvement in gamete membrane adhesion and fusion leading to fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Merc
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Michaela Frolikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic
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Robles-Gómez L, González-Brusi L, Sáez-Espinosa P, Huerta-Retamal N, Cots-Rodríguez P, Avilés M, Gómez-Torres MJ. Specific lectin binding sites during in vitro capacitation and acrosome reaction in boar spermatozoa. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2021.1886611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Leopoldo González-Brusi
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Espinardo (30100) and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Paula Cots-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Espinardo (30100) and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Espinardo (30100) and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - María José Gómez-Torres
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- Cátedra Human Fertility, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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Abstract
Sexual reproduction is such a successful way of creating progeny with subtle genetic variations that the vast majority of eukaryotic species use it. In mammals, it involves the formation of highly specialised cells: the sperm in males and the egg in females, each carrying the genetic inheritance of an individual. The interaction of sperm and egg culminates with the fusion of their cell membranes, triggering the molecular events that result in the formation of a new genetically distinct organism. Although we have a good cellular description of fertilisation in mammals, many of the molecules involved remain unknown, and especially the identity and role of cell surface proteins that are responsible for sperm–egg recognition, binding, and fusion. Here, we will highlight and discuss these gaps in our knowledge and how the role of some recently discovered sperm cell surface and secreted proteins contribute to our understanding of this fundamental process. Fertilisation is the challenging process whereby cells from two individuals fuse to generate a new, genetically distinct organism of the same species. This Unsolved Mystery article explores the molecular mechanisms underlying sperm–egg interaction and fusion, a fascinating topic that is under increasing investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Bianchi
- Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Gavin J. Wright
- Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, United Kingdom
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Huerta-Retamal N, Sáez-Espinosa P, Robles-Gómez L, Avilés M, Romero A, Aizpurua J, Gómez-Torres MJ. Human sperm chaperone HSPA2 distribution during in vitro capacitation. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 143:103246. [PMID: 33246276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Human fertilization success depends on the ability of the spermatozoa to undergo capacitation. Even though this process can be conducted in vitro, the optimal time for a sperm cell to complete capacitation in vitro is still under discussion due to the lack of proper capacitation biomarkers. Here, we evaluated the influence of in vitro capacitation time on HSPA2 distribution over human sperm head testing this chaperone as a potential capacitation biomarker. The chaperone was assessed in human spermatozoa from 16 normozoospermic donors using indirect immunofluorescence in uncapacitated, one and four-hour capacitated spermatozoa. The percentage of HSPA2 immunofluorescent cells before and after one hour of capacitation did not differ significantly. However, after four hours of capacitation, we observed a significantly higher percentage of HSPA2 labelled cells. In fluorescent cells analysed before capacitation, we could not identify a predominant distribution pattern. Meanwhile, after capacitation, most sperm showed a highly labelled equatorial band accompanied by a homogeneous fluorescence throughout the acrosomal region. Our findings suggest that HSPA2 needs more than one hour of in vitro capacitation for being correctly distributed in the anterior region of the sperm head. In conclusion, the present study provides solid evidences for the utility of HSPA2 as a biomarker of human sperm in vitro capacitation. Due to its importance during egg-sperm recognition, the use of HSPA2 as a biomarker before an artificial reproduction technique may be suggested, in addition to a longer capacitation time during sperm preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paula Sáez-Espinosa
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, 03690, Spain
| | - Laura Robles-Gómez
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, 03690, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Departamento de Biología celular e Histología, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Sociosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, 30003, Spain
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, 03690, Spain
| | - Jon Aizpurua
- IVF Spain, Medicina Reproductiva, Alicante, 03540, Spain; Cátedra Human Fertility, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - María José Gómez-Torres
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, 03690, Spain; Cátedra Human Fertility, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
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6
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Makeyeva Y, Nicol C, Ledger WL, Ryugo DK. Immunocytochemical Localization of Olfactory-signaling Molecules in Human and Rat Spermatozoa. J Histochem Cytochem 2020; 68:491-513. [PMID: 32603211 DOI: 10.1369/0022155420939833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of olfactory receptors (ORs) in non-olfactory tissues has been widely reported over the last 20 years. Olfactory marker protein (OMP) is highly expressed in mature olfactory sensory neurons (mOSNs) of the olfactory epithelium. It is involved in the olfactory signal transduction pathway, which is mediated by well-conserved components, including ORs, olfactory G protein (Golf), and adenylyl cyclase 3 (AC3). OMP is widely expressed in non-olfactory tissues with an apparent preference for motile cells. We hypothesized that OMP is expressed in compartment-specific locations and co-localize with an OR, Golf, and AC3 in rat epididymal and human-ejaculated spermatozoa. We used immunocytochemistry to examine the expression patterns of OMP and OR6B2 (human OR, served as positive olfactory control) in experimentally induced modes of activation and determine whether there are any observable differences in proteins expression during the post-ejaculatory stages of spermatozoal functional maturation. We found that OMP was expressed in compartment-specific locations in human and rat spermatozoa. OMP was co-expressed with Golf and AC3 in rat spermatozoa and with OR6B2 in all three modes of activation (control, activated, and hyperactivated), and the mode of activation changed the co-expression pattern in acrosomal-reacted human spermatozoa. These observations suggest that OMP expression is a reliable indicator of OR-mediated chemoreception, may be used to identify ectopically expressed ORs, and could participate in second messenger signaling cascades that mediate fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Makeyeva
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Westfield Research Laboratories, School of Women's and Children's Health, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher Nicol
- UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia, and Andrology Laboratory, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David K Ryugo
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, UNSW, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Otolaryngology, Head, Neck & Skull Base Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Pitnick S, Wolfner MF, Dorus S. Post-ejaculatory modifications to sperm (PEMS). Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:365-392. [PMID: 31737992 PMCID: PMC7643048 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm must spend a minimum period of time within a female reproductive tract to achieve the capacity to fertilize oocytes. This phenomenon, termed sperm 'capacitation', was discovered nearly seven decades ago and opened a window into the complexities of sperm-female interaction. Capacitation is most commonly used to refer to a specific combination of processes that are believed to be widespread in mammals and includes modifications to the sperm plasma membrane, elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP levels, induction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, hyperactivation of motility, and, eventually, the acrosome reaction. Capacitation is only one example of post-ejaculatory modifications to sperm (PEMS) that are widespread throughout the animal kingdom. Although PEMS are less well studied in non-mammalian taxa, they likely represent the rule rather than the exception in species with internal fertilization. These PEMS are diverse in form and collectively represent the outcome of selection fashioning complex maturational trajectories of sperm that include multiple, sequential phenotypes that are specialized for stage-specific functionality within the female. In many cases, PEMS are critical for sperm to migrate successfully through the female reproductive tract, survive a protracted period of storage, reach the site of fertilization and/or achieve the capacity to fertilize eggs. We predict that PEMS will exhibit widespread phenotypic plasticity mediated by sperm-female interactions. The successful execution of PEMS thus has important implications for variation in fitness and the operation of post-copulatory sexual selection. Furthermore, it may provide a widespread mechanism of reproductive isolation and the maintenance of species boundaries. Despite their possible ubiquity and importance, the investigation of PEMS has been largely descriptive, lacking any phylogenetic consideration with regard to divergence, and there have been no theoretical or empirical investigations of their evolutionary significance. Here, we (i) clarify PEMS-related nomenclature; (ii) address the evolutionary origin, maintenance and divergence in PEMS in the context of the protracted life history of sperm and the complex, selective environment of the female reproductive tract; (iii) describe taxonomically widespread types of PEMS: sperm activation, chemotaxis and the dissociation of sperm conjugates; (iv) review the occurence of PEMS throughout the animal kingdom; (v) consider alternative hypotheses for the adaptive value of PEMS; (vi) speculate on the evolutionary implications of PEMS for genomic architecture, sexual selection, and reproductive isolation; and (vii) suggest fruitful directions for future functional and evolutionary analyses of PEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Pitnick
- Department of Biology, Center for Reproductive Evolution, Syacuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Mariana F. Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Steve Dorus
- Department of Biology, Center for Reproductive Evolution, Syacuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
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Gaikwad AS, Anderson AL, Merriner DJ, O'Connor AE, Houston BJ, Aitken RJ, O'Bryan MK, Nixon B. GLIPR1L1 is an IZUMO-binding protein required for optimal fertilization in the mouse. BMC Biol 2019; 17:86. [PMID: 31672133 PMCID: PMC6824042 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-019-0701-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The sperm protein IZUMO1 (Izumo sperm-egg fusion 1) and its recently identified binding partner on the oolemma, IZUMO1R, are among the first ligand-receptor pairs shown to be essential for gamete recognition and adhesion. However, the IZUMO1-IZUMO1R interaction does not appear to be directly responsible for promoting the fusion of the gamete membranes, suggesting that this critical phase of the fertilization cascade requires the concerted action of alternative fusogenic machinery. It has therefore been proposed that IZUMO1 may play a secondary role in the organization and/or stabilization of higher-order heteromeric complexes in spermatozoa that are required for membrane fusion. Results Here, we show that fertilization-competent (acrosome reacted) mouse spermatozoa harbor several high molecular weight protein complexes, a subset of which are readily able to adhere to solubilized oolemmal proteins. At least two of these complexes contain IZUMO1 in partnership with GLI pathogenesis-related 1 like 1 (GLIPR1L1). This interaction is associated with lipid rafts and is dynamically remodeled upon the induction of acrosomal exocytosis in preparation for sperm adhesion to the oolemma. Accordingly, the selective ablation of GLIPR1L1 leads to compromised sperm function characterized by a reduced ability to undergo the acrosome reaction and a failure of IZUMO1 redistribution. Conclusions Collectively, this study characterizes multimeric protein complexes on the sperm surface and identifies GLIPRL1L1 as a physiologically relevant regulator of IZUMO1 function and the fertilization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash S Gaikwad
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Brendan J Houston
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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Khan M, Jabeen N, Khan T, Hussain HMJ, Ali A, Khan R, Jiang L, Li T, Tao Q, Zhang X, Yin H, Yu C, Jiang X, Shi Q. The evolutionarily conserved genes: Tex37, Ccdc73, Prss55 and Nxt2 are dispensable for fertility in mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4975. [PMID: 29563520 PMCID: PMC5862965 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23176-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There are more than 2300 genes that are predominantly expressed in mouse testes. The role of hundreds of these genes has been studied in mouse spermatogenesis but still there are many genes whose function is unknown. Gene knockout (KO) strategy in mice is widely used for in vivo study of gene function. The present study was designed to explore the function of the four genes: Tex37, Ccdc73, Prss55 and Nxt2, which were evolutionarily conserved in eutherians. We found that these genes had a testis-enriched expression pattern in mice except Nxt2. We knocked out these genes by CRISPR/Cas9 individually and found that all the KO mice had normal fertility with no detectable difference in testis/body weight ratios, epididymal sperm counts, as well as testicular and epididymal histology from wild type mice. Although these genes are evolutionarily conserved in eutherians including human and mouse, they are not individually essential for spermatogenesis, testis development and male fertility in mice in laboratory conditions. Our report of these fertile KO data could avoid the repetition and duplication of efforts which will help in prioritizing efforts to focus on genes that are indispensable for male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manan Khan
- USTC-SDJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Nazish Jabeen
- USTC-SDJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Teka Khan
- USTC-SDJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Jafar Hussain
- USTC-SDJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Asim Ali
- USTC-SDJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- USTC-SDJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Long Jiang
- USTC-SDJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Li
- USTC-SDJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Qizhao Tao
- USTC-SDJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Xingxia Zhang
- USTC-SDJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Yin
- USTC-SDJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Changping Yu
- USTC-SDJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- USTC-SDJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China.
| | - Qinghua Shi
- USTC-SDJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China.
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Abbasi F, Miyata H, Ikawa M. Revolutionizing male fertility factor research in mice by using the genome editing tool CRISPR/Cas9. Reprod Med Biol 2018; 17:3-10. [PMID: 29371815 PMCID: PMC5768971 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reproductive research is quintessential in understanding not only the cause of infertility, but also for creating family planning tools. The knockout (KO) system approach is conducive to discovering genes that are essential for fertility in mice. However, in vivo research has been limited due to its high cost and length of time needed to establish KO mice. Methods The mechanisms behind the CRISPR/Cas9 system and its application in investigating male fertility in mice are described by using original and review articles. Results The CRISPR/CAS9 SYSTEM has enabled researchers to rapidly, efficiently, and inexpensively produce genetically modified mice to study male fertility. Several genes have been highlighted that were found to be indispensable for male fertility by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, as well as more complicated gene manipulation techniques, such as point mutations, tag insertions, and double knockouts, which have become easier with this new technology. Conclusion In order to increase efficiency and usage, new methods of CRISPR/Cas9 integration are being developed, such as electroporation and applying the system to embryonic stem cells. The hidden mysteries of male fertility will be unraveled with the help of this new technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferheen Abbasi
- Research Institute for Microbial DiseasesOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial DiseasesOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial DiseasesOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
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11
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Kaneko T, Toshimori K, Iida H. Subcellular localization of MS4A13 isoform 2 in mouse spermatozoa. Reproduction 2017; 154:843-857. [PMID: 28971897 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
To identify upregulated genes during the development of spermatozoa, we performed PCR-selected subtraction analysis of testes RNA samples from 10-day-old and 12-week-old shrews. A transcript, highly homologous to two mouse transcripts, Ms4a13-1 and Ms4a13-2, was differentially regulated. Ms4a13-2, but not Ms4a13-1, was shown to be primarily expressed in mouse testes in an age-dependent manner. Ms4a13-2 cDNA contains an open-reading frame of 522 nucleotides, encoding a protein of 174 amino acids, with predicted molecular mass, 19,345 Da. MS4A13-2 protein was expressed along the periphery of nuclei of round and elongated spermatids (steps 3-16) in adult mouse testes, and in the equatorial region of the heads of fresh mature mouse spermatozoa. In addition, MS4A13-2 was found to localize to the outer acrosomal membrane in the equatorial region of heads in fresh spermatozoa. In acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, the MS4A13-2 expression extended to the entire sperm head including the postacrosomal region and acrosomal cap. MS4A family proteins are known to facilitate intracellular protein-protein interactions as ion channel/adaptor proteins by oligomerization, and have important regulatory roles in cellular growth, survival and activation. We report that the MS4A family member, MS4A13-2, may form oligomers in sperm membranes, which may be involved in an interaction with the zona pellucida or cumulus during fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takane Kaneko
- Laboratory of ZoologyGraduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Toshimori
- Future Medicine Research Center and Department of Reproductive Biology and MedicineGraduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Iida
- Laboratory of ZoologyGraduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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De Jonge C. Biological basis for human capacitation-revisited. Hum Reprod Update 2017; 23:289-299. [PMID: 28115407 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A little more than a decade ago a review entitled 'Biological basis for human capacitation' was published. A primary conclusion of the review was that with all the technological advances that have been made since the first experiments demonstrated the in vivo requirement of capacitation for fertilization, very little progress had since been made, most significantly for human. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The present review was carried out to provide an update on the biological basis for human capacitation. It briefly revisits the original schema, presents a review of the literature that urged research interest in human sperm capacitation and puts under the spotlight the original definition of capacitation balanced against the limitations of experiments in vitro to characterize a complex process that necessarily mandates a female component, and very recent findings in the mouse. It also includes proposed considerations for new thinking regarding capacitation, and progress toward understanding the biology of human capacitation. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus literature databases were reviewed extensively using inclusive, broad and multispecies search terms without publication date limitation. OUTCOMES Comprehensive screening of the literature database showed that no papers regarding human sperm capacitation in vivo have been published in the past 20 years. Recent experiments in the mouse have provided compelling and unanticipated data regarding capacitation and in vivo fertilization. Questions were posed and addressed regarding: stimuli for initiation of capacitation, capacitation relative to the cumulus-oocyte complex, comparison between in vivo and in vitro capacitation, and potential species-specific differences in location and timing of capacitation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There has been no progress on the in vivo biology of human sperm capacitation since before the turn of the century. Human IVF and its technologies may likely have inhibited, and continue to hold back, any future in vivo experiments that would address one or more questions regarding acquisition of fertilizing capacity in human. The limiting factor for progress in the area is access to funding and human subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher De Jonge
- Andrology Program, University of Minnesota Medical Center, 606 24th Avenue South, Suite 525, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
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García ML, Argente MJ. Exposure to high ambient temperatures alters embryology in rabbits. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2017; 61:1555-1560. [PMID: 28326508 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-017-1334-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
High ambient temperatures are a determining factor in the deterioration of embryo quality and survival in mammals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat stress on embryo development, embryonic size and size of the embryonic coats in rabbits. A total of 310 embryos from 33 females in thermal comfort zone and 264 embryos of 28 females in heat stress conditions were used in the experiment. The traits studied were ovulation rate, percentage of total embryos, percentage of normal embryos, embryo area, zona pellucida thickness and mucin coat thickness. Traits were measured at 24 and 48 h post-coitum (hpc); mucin coat thickness was only measured at 48 hpc. The embryos were classified as zygotes or two-cell embryos at 24 hpc, and 16-cells or early morulae at 48 hpc. The ovulation rate was one oocyte lower in heat stress conditions than in thermal comfort. Percentage of normal embryos was lower in heat stress conditions at 24 hpc (17.2%) and 48 hpc (13.2%). No differences in percentage of zygotes or two-cell embryos were found at 24 hpc. The embryo development and area was affected by heat stress at 48 hpc (10% higher percentage of 16-cells and 883 μm2 smaller, respectively). Zona pellucida was thicker under thermal stress at 24 hpc (1.2 μm) and 48 hpc (1.5 μm). No differences in mucin coat thickness were found. In conclusion, heat stress appears to alter embryology in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L García
- Departamento de Tecnología Agroalimentaria, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Ctra de Beniel Km 3.2, 03312, Orihuela, Spain.
| | - M J Argente
- Departamento de Tecnología Agroalimentaria, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Ctra de Beniel Km 3.2, 03312, Orihuela, Spain
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Belmonte SA, Mayorga LS, Tomes CN. The Molecules of Sperm Exocytosis. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY EMBRYOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY 2016; 220:71-92. [PMID: 27194350 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Exocytosis is a fundamental process used by eukaryotic cells to release biological compounds and to insert lipids and proteins in the plasma membrane. Specialized secretory cells undergo regulated exocytosis in response to physiological signals. Sperm exocytosis or acrosome reaction (AR) is essentially a regulated secretion with special characteristics. We will focus here on some of these unique features, covering the topology, kinetics, and molecular mechanisms that prepare, drive, and regulate membrane fusion during the AR. Last, we will compare acrosomal release with exocytosis in other model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia A Belmonte
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Luis S Mayorga
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Claudia N Tomes
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina.
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15
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Cordero-Martínez J, Aguirre-Alvarado C, Guzmán-Soriano JG, Sánchez-Arroyo CE, Flores-Alonso JC, Rodríguez-Páez L. Effects of aqueous crude extract ofEcheveria gibbifloraon mouse sperm function. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2016; 62:343-52. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2016.1203044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Genome engineering uncovers 54 evolutionarily conserved and testis-enriched genes that are not required for male fertility in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:7704-10. [PMID: 27357688 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1608458113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene-expression analysis studies from Schultz et al. estimate that more than 2,300 genes in the mouse genome are expressed predominantly in the male germ line. As of their 2003 publication [Schultz N, Hamra FK, Garbers DL (2003) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 100(21):12201-12206], the functions of the majority of these testis-enriched genes during spermatogenesis and fertilization were largely unknown. Since the study by Schultz et al., functional analysis of hundreds of reproductive-tract-enriched genes have been performed, but there remain many testis-enriched genes for which their relevance to reproduction remain unexplored or unreported. Historically, a gene knockout is the "gold standard" to determine whether a gene's function is essential in vivo. Although knockout mice without apparent phenotypes are rarely published, these knockout mouse lines and their phenotypic information need to be shared to prevent redundant experiments. Herein, we used bioinformatic and experimental approaches to uncover mouse testis-enriched genes that are evolutionarily conserved in humans. We then used gene-disruption approaches, including Knockout Mouse Project resources (targeting vectors and mice) and CRISPR/Cas9, to mutate and quickly analyze the fertility of these mutant mice. We discovered that 54 mutant mouse lines were fertile. Thus, despite evolutionary conservation of these genes in vertebrates and in some cases in all eukaryotes, our results indicate that these genes are not individually essential for male mouse fertility. Our phenotypic data are highly relevant in this fiscally tight funding period and postgenomic age when large numbers of genomes are being analyzed for disease association, and will prevent unnecessary expenditures and duplications of effort by others.
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Tosti E, Ménézo Y. Gamete activation: basic knowledge and clinical applications. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:420-39. [PMID: 27278231 PMCID: PMC4917743 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The first clues to the process of gamete activation date back to nearly 60 years ago. The mutual activation of gametes is a crucial event during fertilization. In the testis and ovaries, spermatozoa and oocytes are in a state of meiotic and metabolic quiescence and require reciprocal signals in order to undergo functional changes that lead to competence for fertilization. First, the oocyte activates sperm by triggering motility, chemoattraction, binding and the acrosome reaction, culminating with the fusion of the two plasma membranes. At the end of this cascade of events, collectively known as sperm capacitation, sperm-induced oocyte activation occurs, generating electrical, morphological and metabolic modifications in the oocyte. Objective and rationale The aim of this review is to provide the current state of knowledge regarding the entire process of gamete activation in selected specific animal models that have contributed to our understanding of fertilization in mammals, including humans. Here we describe in detail the reciprocal induction of the two activation processes, the molecules involved and the mechanisms of cell interaction and signal transduction that ultimately result in successful embryo development and creation of a new individual. Search methods We carried out a literature survey with no restrictions on publication date (from the early 1950s to March 2016) using PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and Web of Knowledge by utilizing common keywords applied in the field of fertilization and embryo development. We also screened the complete list of references published in the most recent research articles and relevant reviews published in English (both animal and human studies) on the topics investigated. Outcomes Literature on the principal animal models demonstrates that gamete activation is a pre-requisite for successful fertilization, and is a process common to all species studied to date. We provide a detailed description of the dramatic changes in gamete morphology and behavior, the regulatory molecules triggering gamete activation and the intracellular ions and second messengers involved in active metabolic pathways in different species. Recent scientific advances suggest that artificial gamete activation may represent a novel technique to improve human IVF outcomes, but this approach requires caution. Wider implications Although controversial, manipulation of gamete activation represents a promising tool for ameliorating the fertilization rate in assisted reproductive technologies. A better knowledge of mechanisms that transform the quiescent oocyte into a pluripotent cell may also provide new insights for the clinical use of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Tosti
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Yves Ménézo
- London Fertility Associates, 104 Harley Street, London WIG7JD, UK
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Sanders JR, Swann K. Molecular triggers of egg activation at fertilization in mammals. Reproduction 2016; 152:R41-50. [PMID: 27165049 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, the sperm activates the development of the egg by triggering a series of oscillations in the cytosolic-free Ca(2+) concentration (Ca(2+) i). The sperm triggers these cytosolic Ca(2+i) oscillations after sperm-egg membrane fusion, as well as after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). These Ca(2+) i oscillations are triggered by a protein located inside the sperm. The identity of the sperm protein has been debated over many years, but all the repeatable data now suggest that it is phospholipase Czeta (PLCζ). The main downstream target of Ca(2+) i oscillations is calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII (CAMK2A)), which phosphorylates EMI2 and WEE1B to inactivate the M-phase promoting factor protein kinase activity (MPF) and this ultimately triggers meiotic resumption. A later decline in the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) then leads to the completion of activation which is marked by the formation of pronuclei and entry into interphase of the first cell cycle. The early cytosolic Ca(2+) increases also trigger exocytosis via a mechanism that does not involve CAMKII. We discuss some recent developments in our understanding of these triggers for egg activation within the framework of cytosolic Ca(2+) signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karl Swann
- School of BiosciencesCardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Kuo YW, Li SH, Maeda KI, Gadella BM, Tsai PSJ. Roles of the reproductive tract in modifications of the sperm membrane surface. J Reprod Dev 2016; 62:337-43. [PMID: 27009019 PMCID: PMC5004788 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2016-028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful fertilization requires viable and
functional spermatozoa to recognize and fuse with
the oocyte. In most mammalian species, mature
spermatozoa are not capable of fertilizing the
oocytes immediately after ejaculation. However,
unlike somatic cells, spermatozoa, after leaving
the testis, are transcriptionally and
translationally silent; therefore, upon completion
of spermiogenesis, spermatozoa carry only a
minimal amount of essential proteins on their
membranes as well as within their restricted
volume of cytoplasm. To develop into a fully
functional and competent sperm that is capable of
successful fertilization, modifications of the
sperm membrane surface during its transit in the
reproductive tracts is critical. These
post-spermatogenesis modifications advance the
maturation of epididymal spermatozoa. In addition,
components secreted into the lumen of the
reproductive tracts that are later added onto the
sperm membrane surface also regulate (inhibit or
activate) the functions of the spermatozoa. This
acquisition of additional proteins from the
reproductive tracts may compensate for the
inactivity of morphologically mature spermatozoa.
In this review, we discuss the contributions of
the male and female genital tracts to
modifications of the sperm membrane surface at
different stages of fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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Beltrán C, Treviño CL, Mata-Martínez E, Chávez JC, Sánchez-Cárdenas C, Baker M, Darszon A. Role of Ion Channels in the Sperm Acrosome Reaction. SPERM ACROSOME BIOGENESIS AND FUNCTION DURING FERTILIZATION 2016; 220:35-69. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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