Fertilization: a sperm’s journey to and interaction with the oocyte
Masahito Ikawa, Naokazu Inoue, Adam M. Benham, Masaru Okabe
Masahito Ikawa, Naokazu Inoue, Adam M. Benham, Masaru Okabe
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Fertilization: a sperm’s journey to and interaction with the oocyte

Abstract

Mammalian fertilization comprises sperm migration through the female reproductive tract, biochemical and morphological changes to sperm, and sperm-egg interaction in the oviduct. Recent gene knockout approaches in mice have revealed that many factors previously considered important for fertilization are largely dispensable, or if they are essential, they have an unexpected function. These results indicate that what has been observed in in vitro fertilization (IVF) differs significantly from what occurs during “physiological” fertilization. This Review focuses on the advantages of studying fertilization using gene-manipulated animals and highlights an emerging molecular mechanism of mammalian fertilization.

Authors

Masahito Ikawa, Naokazu Inoue, Adam M. Benham, Masaru Okabe

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Figure 3

Maturation of ADAMs and their roles in sperm function.

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Maturation of ADAMs and their roles in sperm function. Disruption of the...
Disruption of the genes Clgn, Ace, Adam1a, Adam2, and Adam3 results in impaired sperm-ZP binding and impaired migration through the UTJ. Clgn is required for Adam1a/Adam2 and Adam1b/Adam2 heterodimerization. Lack of Adam1a/Adam2 heterodimerization in Clgn–/–, Adam1a–/–, and Adam2–/– mice causes Adam3 disappearance from the surface of mature sperm. Disruption of Ace leads to aberrant localization of Adam3, as evidenced by reduced amounts of Adam3 protein in the Triton X-114 detergent-enriched phase of sperm membranes (28). The diagram illustrates why disruption of the individual Ace, Clgn, Adam1a, Adam2, and Adam3 genes produces similar phenotypes and indicates the importance of Adam3 in sperm fertilizing ability.