Int. J. Dev. Biol. 52: 503 - 510 (2008)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.082696hf

Vol 52, Issue 5-6

Special Issue: Fertilization

Regulating the acrosome reaction

Published: 1 July 2008

Harvey M. Florman*, Melissa K. Jungnickel and Keith A. Sutton

Department of Cell Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA

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.

Keywords

acrosome reaction, signal transduction calcium channel, TRPC channel, PI3, kinase