The role of proteolysis during fertilization has been investigated only to a very limited extent as compared with its role on the control of cell cycle progression. In this report, we discuss briefly the proteases involved in fertilization, their relevance in the egg-sperm interaction and in the chromatin remodeling that occurs before the reestablishment of the diploid condition of the zygote. We further emphasize how the post-translational modifications of target proteins modulate these proteolytic events. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppls. 32/33:149-157, 1999 Key words: fertilization/proteolysis; phosphorylation; ubiquitination; poly (ADP-ribosylation) Fertilization is a crucial event in bisexual reproduction whereby two cells fuse together creating a new individual that inherits the genetic potentials of both parents. The initial step involves a specific recognition of both gametes followed by the entry of the sperm into the egg. This event promotes the activation of egg metabolism, which is in a quiescent state before fertilization. The consequence of fertilization is the reestablishment of the diploid condition, which precedes the initiation of the developmental program of the resulting zygote.Proteolysis plays essential roles in the spermegg initial interaction, in egg activation, and in the establishment of the diploid condition of the zygotes. In the initial steps of fertilization, proteolysis is required for triggering the acrosomal reaction and sperm penetration of the egg. In a variety of animal species, meiosis in oocytes is arrested at prophase of the first meiotic cell cycle. Reinitiation of meiosis is evidenced by the dissolution of the nuclear envelope, signaled as germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), followed by chromosome condensation and the extrusion of the first polar body. GVBD is triggered by the maturation promoting factor (MPF). MPF contains a 34-kDa cyclin-dependent protein kinase (p34cdc2) and cyclin B. Further transition to anaphase is concurrent with the rapid degradation of cyclin B, thus inactivating the MPF. Cyclin B is poly-ubiquitinated by a cyclin-specific ubiquitination cascade of reactions, thus committing this protein to be degraded by the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. This pathway is highly conserved in eukaryotes and represents the selective cellular degradation mechanism better understood at present. In other species, meiosis is arrested at the end of metaphase I or II, in such condition its reinitiation is triggered by sperm penetration. Finally there are other species, such as sea urchins and sand dollars, in which the final stage of oocyte maturation occurs before fertilization. Consequently, the haploid state is attained before insemination and these eggs remain arrested in the G1 phase of the cell cycle before fertilization.After fertilization, the sperm nucleus decondenses and transforms into male pronucleus, which moves toward the egg pronucleus and fuses at amphimixis, thus reestablishing the diploid condition of the future embryo. Sperm chromatin is condensed by a...