title: The cell biology of mammalian fertilization.
abstract: Fertilization is the process by which eggs and spermatozoa interact, achieve mutual recognition, and fuse to create a zygote, which then develops to form a new individual, thus allowing for the continuity of a species. Despite numerous studies on mammalian fertilization, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the fertilization event remain largely unknown. However, as I summarize here, recent work using both gene-manipulated animals and in vitro studies has begun to elucidate essential sperm and egg molecules and to establish predictive models of successful fertilization.
authors.affiliation: Center for Genetic Analysis for Biological Responses Research Institute for Microbial Diseases Osaka University, Yamadaoka 3-1, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
authors.forename: Masaru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Okabe
mesh_terms: D020101:Acrosome Reaction; D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement; D005306:Fertilization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008322:Mammals / Q000502:physiology*; D010063:Ovum / Q000166:cytology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology*
keywords: Acrosome reaction; Eggs; Fertilization; Hyperactivation; Izumo1; Spermatozoa