Molecular mechanisms and evolution of fertilization proteins.

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ID: 127930
2020
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Abstract
Sexual reproduction involves a cascade of molecular interactions between the sperm and the egg culminating in cell-cell fusion. Vital steps mediating fertilization include chemoattraction of the sperm to the egg, induction of the sperm acrosome reaction, dissolution of the egg coat, and sperm-egg plasma membrane binding and fusion. Despite decades of research, only a handful of interacting gamete recognition proteins (GRPs) have been identified across taxa mediating each of these steps, most notably in abalone, sea urchins, and mammals. This review outlines and compares notable GRP pairs mediating sperm-egg recognition in these three significant model systems and discusses the molecular basis of species-specific fertilization driven by GRP function. In addition, we explore the evolutionary theory behind the rapid diversification of GRPs between species. In particular, we focus on how the coevolution between interacting sperm and egg proteins may contribute to the formation of boundaries to hybridization. Finally, we discuss how pairing structural information with evolutionary insights can improve our understanding of mechanisms of fertilization and their origins.
Reference Key
carlisle2020molecularjournal Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Carlisle, Jolie A;Swanson, Willie J;
Journal journal of experimental zoology part b, molecular and developmental evolution
Year 2020
DOI
10.1002/jez.b.23004
URL
Keywords
developmental biology mammal reproduction speciation sperm egg fertilization molecular evolution polyspermy

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