Infertility and development of contraceptive methods have profound societal affects; however, the genetic mechanisms underlying this are still largely unknown. Here, we describe how using the small worm has helped us to discover the genes involved in these processes. Nobel Laureate Sydney Brenner established the nematode worm as a genetic model system with a powerful ability to discover genes in many biological pathways through mutagenesis. In this tradition, many labs have been using the substantial genetic tools established by Brenner and the 'worm' research community to discover genes required for uniting sperm and egg. Our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of the fertilization synapse between sperm and egg rivals that of any organism. Genes have been discovered in worms that share homology and mutant phenotypes with mammals. We provide an overview of the state of our understanding of fertilization in worms as well as exciting future directions and challenges.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9979916PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1042/bio_2022_125DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

discover genes
12
sperm egg
8
fertilization learn
4
learn worms
4
worms infertility
4
infertility development
4
development contraceptive
4
contraceptive methods
4
methods profound
4
profound societal
4

Similar Publications

Hybridisation is a source of genetic diversity, can drive adaptation to new niches and has been found to be a frequent event in lineages harbouring pathogenic fungi. However, little is known about the genomic implications of hybridisation nor its impact on pathogenicity-related traits. A common limitation for addressing these questions is the narrow representativity of sequenced genomes, mostly corresponding to strains isolated from infected patients.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Unveiling novel biomarkers for platinum chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.

Open Med (Wars)

January 2025

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China.

Primary chemoresistance to platinum-based treatment is observed in approximately 33% of individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer; however, conventional clinical markers exhibit limited predictive value for chemoresistance. This study aimed to discover new genetic markers that can predict primary resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. Through the analysis of three GEO datasets (GSE114206, GSE51373, and GSE63885) utilizing bioinformatics methodologies, we identified two specific genes, MFAP4 and EFEMP1.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

While biomarkers have been shown to enhance the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to conventional treatments, there is a pressing need to discover novel biomarkers that can assist in assessing the prognostic impact of immunotherapy and in formulating individualized treatment plans. The RUNX family, consisting of RUNX1, RUNX2, and RUNX3, has been recognized as crucial regulators in developmental processes, with dysregulation of these genes also being implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. In our present study, we demonstrated a crucial regulatory role of RUNX in CD8T and CD103CD8T cell-mediated anti-tumor response within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of human CRC.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: To discover microRNA (miRNA)-RNA transcript interactions dysregulated in brains from persons with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), we investigated RNA expression using machine learning tools.

Design: Brain-derived host RNA transcript and miRNA expression was examined from persons with or without HAND using bioinformatics platforms.

Methods: By combining next generation sequencing, droplet digital (dd)PCR quantitation of HIV-1 genomes, with bioinformatics and statistical tools, we investigated differential RNA expression in frontal cortex from persons without HIV (HIV[-]), with HIV without brain disease (HIV[+]), with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), or HAND with encephalitis (HIVE).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a widespread ubiquitous phthalate environmental contaminant. The male reproductive toxicity (MRT) from exposure to DEHP and its main metabolite, mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), has been well documented. Fully elucidating its toxic mechanism and discovering effective antagonists are desirable means to reduce the health risks of DEHP.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want 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!