Sperm capacitation, the acrosome reaction, and fertilization

Abstract

Recent advances in our understanding of fertilization are summarized, highlighting newly discovered molecules implicated in sperm interactions with the epithelia of the female reproductive system (spermadhesins, BSP-proteins), sperm-zona binding (ZP4, ZP3R, IAM38/ZPBP), sperm oolemma binding and fusion (IZUMO, CD9, CD81), oocyte activation (PLCzeta, SRC-family kinases and their activators), and pronuclear development (nucleoplasmin, oocyte-specific histones). Sperm-contributed RNAs and signaling molecules are discussed, and the mechanisms of gamete interactions and antipolyspermy defense during natural fertilization are compared with fertilization events following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010.