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

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Sep 23;105(38):14539-44. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0805699105. Epub 2008 Sep 15.

Abstract

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 PGE(2)-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 PGE(2)-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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chemokine CCL2 / genetics
  • Chemokines / genetics
  • Chemokines / metabolism*
  • Cumulus Cells / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fertilization / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Hyaluronoglucosaminidase / metabolism
  • Integrins / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Prostaglandins / genetics
  • Prostaglandins / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E / deficiency
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E / genetics
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP2 Subtype
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Spermatozoa / physiology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Chemokine CCL2
  • Chemokines
  • Integrins
  • Prostaglandins
  • Ptger2 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP2 Subtype
  • Hyaluronoglucosaminidase