Equatorin-Related Subcellular and Molecular Events During Sperm Priming for Fertilization in Mice

Abstract

Spermatozoa must undergo a priming process that renders them competent for fertilization. This priming process involves the initiation of acrosomal exocytosis, remodeling of the acrosomal substructure, and biochemical modifi cation of related molecules. However, the mechanism underlying sperm priming process has remains unclear because of the number of molecules involved in sperm capacitation and the ensuing acrosome reaction (acrosomal exocytosis). Here, we focus on the acrosomal type 1 membrane protein equatorin and the related subcellular and molecular events that occur during the sperm priming process in mice.

Expression and distribution of CD151 as a partner of alpha6 integrin in male germ cells

“…is a crucial step enabling sperm to become fusion competent. During AR, a dramatic reorganization of sperm head membranes occurs including fusion of plasma and outer acrosomal membranes, in order to release the acrosomal content leaving the sperm head surface covered with inner acrosomal membrane (IAM) exposing new proteins [30][31][32][33] . During this event, many of the membrane proteins originally locked in the acrosome relocate to the plasma membrane and different sperm head compartments, mainly to the equatorial segment.…”