Timely interaction between prostaglandin and chemokine signaling is a prerequisite for successful fertilization

S Tamba, R Yodoi, E Segi-Nishida… - Proceedings of the …, 2008 - National Acad Sciences
S Tamba, R Yodoi, E Segi-Nishida, A Ichikawa, S Narumiya, Y Sugimoto
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2008National Acad Sciences
Timely interaction between the egg and sperm is required for successful fertilization;
however, little is known about the signaling therein. Prostaglandin (PG) E receptor EP2-
deficient (Ptger2−/−) female mice exhibit a severe fertilization defect. We investigated the
molecular events leading to this failure. We found increased gene expression for
chemokines, such as Ccl2, Ccl7, and Ccl9, in Ptger2−/− cumulus cells (the somatic cells
surrounding the egg) compared with wild-type cells. Furthermore, under physiological …
Timely interaction between the egg and sperm is required for successful fertilization; however, little is known about the signaling therein. Prostaglandin (PG) E receptor EP2-deficient (Ptger2−/−) female mice exhibit a severe fertilization defect. We investigated the molecular events leading to this failure. We found increased gene expression for chemokines, such as Ccl2, Ccl7, and Ccl9, in Ptger2−/− cumulus cells (the somatic cells surrounding the egg) compared with wild-type cells. Furthermore, under physiological conditions, cumulus-derived chemokine signaling was found to have a dual action; CCL7 facilitates sperm migration to the cumulus–egg complex and integrin-mediated cumulus extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly to protect eggs. However, in the absence of PGE2-EP2 signaling, chronic CCL7 signaling results in excessive integrin engagement to the ECM, making the cumulus ECM resistant to sperm hyaluronidase, thereby preventing sperm penetration. Our findings indicate that PGE2-EP2 signaling negatively regulates the autocrine action of chemokines and prevents excessive cumulus ECM assembly. This interaction between PG and chemokine signaling is required for successful fertilization.
National Acad Sciences