title: Vertebrate Reproduction.
abstract: Vertebrate reproduction requires a myriad of precisely orchestrated events-in particular, the maternal production of oocytes, the paternal production of sperm, successful fertilization, and initiation of early embryonic cell divisions. These processes are governed by a host of signaling pathways. Protein kinase and phosphatase signaling pathways involving Mos, CDK1, RSK, and PP2A regulate meiosis during maturation of the oocyte. Steroid signals-specifically testosterone-regulate spermatogenesis, as does signaling by G-protein-coupled hormone receptors. Finally, calcium signaling is essential for both sperm motility and fertilization. Altogether, this signaling symphony ensures the production of viable offspring, offering a chance of genetic immortality.
authors.affiliation: Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kornbluth
authors.affiliation: University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003.
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fissore
mesh_terms: D020101:Acrosome Reaction; D000818:Animals; D020013:Calcium Signaling; D002455:Cell Division; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008540:Meiosis; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology; D012098:Reproduction; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013075:Sperm Capacitation; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000502:physiology*; D015053:Zygote