Regulating the acrosome reaction

Int J Dev Biol. 2008;52(5-6):503-10. doi: 10.1387/ijdb.082696hf.

Abstract

The acrosome reaction is a secretory event that must be completed by the sperm of many animal species prior to fusion with eggs. In mammals, exocytosis in triggered by ZP3, a glycoprotein component of the egg pellucida, following gamete contact. ZP3 promotes a sustained influx of Ca2+ into sperm that is necessary for the acrosome reaction. Here, we discuss the mechanism by which ZP3 generates Ca2+ entry, as well as the upstream events leading to this influx and downstream processes that couple it with exocytosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acrosome Reaction*
  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism
  • Egg Proteins / metabolism
  • Exocytosis
  • Female
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Models, Biological
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Spermatozoa / metabolism*
  • Zona Pellucida / metabolism
  • Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Egg Proteins
  • Glycoproteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • ZP3 protein, human
  • Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins
  • Zp3 protein, mouse
  • Calcium