| First Author | Yin L | Year | 2009 |
| Journal | Cell Mol Life Sci | Volume | 66 |
| Issue | 5 | Pages | 900-8 |
| PubMed ID | 19153666 | Mgi Jnum | J:208751 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:5564895 | Doi | 10.1007/s00018-009-8482-2 |
| Citation | Yin L, et al. (2009) A sperm GPI-anchored protein elicits sperm-cumulus cross-talk leading to the acrosome reaction. Cell Mol Life Sci 66(5):900-8 |
| abstractText | The acrosome reaction has long been thought to be induced by the zona pellucida. Here we report the identification and function of a novel human sperm glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein, NYD-SP8. The release of the protein during sperm-egg interaction and its binding to the cumulus, the first layer of egg investment, elicits cross-talk between the gametes and produces calcium dependant release of progesterone, which lead to the acrosome reaction. An in vivo mouse model of NYD-SP8 immunization is also established showing a reduced fertility rate. Thus, contrary to accepted dogma, our study demonstrates for the first time that, prior to reaching the zona pellucida, sperm may release a surface protein that acts on the cumulus cells leading to the acrosome reaction, which may be important for determining the outcome of fertilization. |
