Four glycoproteins are expressed in the cat zona pellucida.

The mammalian oocyte is surrounded by a matrix called the zona pellucida (ZP). This envelope participates in processes such as acrosome reaction induction, sperm binding and may be involved in speciation. In cat (Felis catus), this matrix is composed of at least three glycoproteins called ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4.

Rabbit zona pellucida composition: a molecular, proteomic and phylogenetic approach.

The zona pellucida (ZP) participates in sperm-egg interactions during the first steps of fertilization. Recent studies have shown that the ZP matrix of oocytes in several species is composed of four glycoproteins, designated as ZP1, ZP2, ZP3 and ZP4, rather than the three described in mouse, pig and cow. In this study, investigations were carried out to unveil a fourth glycoprotein in the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) ZP.