The Zona Pellucida (ZP) is an ovarian specialized extracellular coat surrounding the oocyte. In human, ZP is composed of four glycoproteins: ZP1, ZP2, ZP3 and ZP4. It regulates sperm binding to the oocyte during fertilization. After fertilization, ZP prevents polyspermia and is important for the protection of the developing embryo and oviductal transport avoiding ectopic implantation. According to the development of sequencing techniques, many mutations have been described in infertile patients. The aim of this review is to synthesize mutations in genes encoding ZP glycoproteins described in humans and their effects on female fertility.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/medsci/2023081 | DOI Listing |
Front Biosci (Landmark Ed)
January 2025
Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Integrated Graduate School of Medicine, Engineering, and Agricultural Sciences, University of Yamanashi, 400-8510 Kofu, Japan.
Background: Sperm represent a heterogeneous population crucial for male reproductive success. Additionally, sperm undergo dynamic changes during maturation and capacitation. Despite these well-established processes, the complex nature of sperm heterogeneity and membrane dynamics remains elusive.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAntioxidants (Basel)
January 2025
College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
Due to oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, boar semen cryopreservation remains a significant challenge. This study investigates the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant, on the post-thaw boar sperm quality during cryopreservation. Boar semen was diluted in a freezing extender containing different concentrations of PQQ (0, 10, 100, 1000, 10,000 nM).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnim 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 PDFTheriogenology
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:
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.
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