A sperm GPI-anchored protein elicits sperm-cumulus cross-talk leading to the acrosome reaction.
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.
Yin
L
L
Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
Chung
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CM
Huo
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Liu
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Zhou
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Xu
W
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Zhu
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Zhang
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Shi
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Wong
H Y C
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Chen
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Lu
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Bi
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Zhao
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Du
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Ma
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Cai
Y
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Chen
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Fok
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Tsang
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Li
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Ni
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Chung
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Zhou
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Sha
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Chan
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D020101:Acrosome Reaction / Q000502:physiology*; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology*; D054885:Cumulus Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005306:Fertilization; D058851:GPI-Linked Proteins; D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D058851:GPI-Linked Proteins; D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols; D008565:Membrane Proteins; C539319:TEX101 protein, human; C426726:TEX101 protein, mouse; D011374:Progesterone; D002118:Calcium