Fertilization is the sum of the cellular mechanisms that pass the genome from one generation to the next and initiate development of a new organism. A typical, ovulated mammalian egg is enclosed by two layers: an outer layer of approximately 5000 cumulus cells and an inner, thick extracellular matrix, the zona pellucida. To reach the egg plasma membrane, sperm must penetrate both layers in steps requiring sperm motility, sperm surface enzymes, and probably sperm-secreted enzymes. Sperm also bind transiently to the egg zona pellucida and the egg plasma membrane and then fuse. Signaling in the sperm is induced by sperm adhesion to the zona pellucida, and signaling in the egg by gamete fusion. The gamete molecules and molecular interactions with essential roles in these events are gradually being discovered.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1072029 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Genetic variation in zona pellucida-3 (ZP3) gene and its association with litter size variation in Kari sheep.
Anim Biotechnol
December 2025
Department of Plant, Soil and Food science, University of Bari, Aldomoro, Italy.
Variation in litter size (LS) in sheep is linked to genetic factors, including the Zona pellucida-3 (ZP3) gene, which plays a role in ovine reproductive processes. This study examined the association between ZP3 gene variations and LS in Kari sheep. Two groups of 160 Kari ewes were analysed: one consistently producing singletons and another producing twins, with occasional triplets.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCorrigendum to "Optimization of lipofection protocols for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery in porcine zona pellucida intact oocytes: A study of coincubation duration and reagent efficacy" [Theriogenology 230 (2024) 121-129].
Theriogenology
January 2025
University of Murcia Dept. Physiology, Murcia, Spain; International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum" and Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain. Electronic address:
Unlocking a Decade of Research on Embryo-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Discoveries Made and Paths Ahead.
Stem Cell Rev Rep
January 2025
Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, B-9820, Belgium.
Over the past decade, research on embryo-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) has unveiled their critical roles in embryonic development and intercellular communication. EVs secreted by embryos are nanoscale lipid bilayer vesicles that carry bioactive cargo, including proteins, lipids, RNAs, and DNAs, reflecting the physiological state of the source cells. These vesicles facilitate paracrine and autocrine signaling, influencing key processes such as cell differentiation, embryo viability, and endometrial receptivity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEfficient gene editing of pig embryos by combining electroporation and lipofection.
Vet World
November 2024
Bio-Innovation Research Center, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan.
Background And Aim: Mosaicism, which is characterized by the presence of wild-type and more than one mutant allele, poses a serious problem in zygotic gene modification through the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 system. Therefore, we used pig embryos to compare the gene editing efficiencies achieved by combining electroporation and lipofection using different aminopeptidase N (APN)-targeting guide RNA (gRNA) sequences.
Materials And Methods: Six gRNAs (gRNA1-6) with different target sequences were designed to target APN.
CRISPR/Cas9-editing of PRNP in Alpine goats.
Vet Res
January 2025
UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
Misfolding of the cellular PrP (PrP) protein causes prion disease, leading to neurodegenerative disorders in numerous mammalian species, including goats. A lack of PrP induces complete resistance to prion disease. The aim of this work was to engineer Alpine goats carrying knockout (KO) alleles of PRNP, the PrP-encoding gene, using CRISPR/Cas9-ribonucleoproteins and single-stranded donor oligonucleotides.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!