Molecular genetic approaches to studying fertilization in model systems

Geldziler, Brian; Kadandale, Pavan; Singson, Andrew

doi:10.1530/rep.1.00009

Cited by 15 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 71 publications

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“…Reverse genetics and gene knockout have been another fruitful approach that has identified important fertilization molecules (Geldziler et al, 2004). C. elegans was the first multicellular organism to have a completely sequenced genome (Hodgkin et al, 1995).…”

Section: Sperm Function Moleculesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genes required for the common miracle of fertilization in Caenorhabditis elegans

Singson¹,

Hang²,

Parry³

2008

Int. J. Dev. Biol.

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Fertilization involves multiple layers of sperm-egg interactions that lead to gamete fusion and egg activation. There must be specific molecules required for these interactions. The challenge is to determine the identity of the genes encoding these molecules and how their protein products function. The nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as an efficient model system for gene discovery and understanding the molecular mechanisms of fertilization. The primary advantage of the C. elegans system is the ability to isolate and maintain mutants that affect sperm or eggs and no other cells. In this review we describe progress and challenges in the analysis of genes required for gamete interactions and egg activation in the worm.

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Section: Sperm Function Moleculesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genes required for the common miracle of fertilization in Caenorhabditis elegans

Singson¹,

Hang²,

Parry³

2008

Int. J. Dev. Biol.

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“…Powerful forward and reverse genetic approaches have identified several new genes required for fertilization in C. elegans (Geldziler et al, 2004;Singson et al, 1998;Xu and Sternberg, 2003). Spermatogenesis-defective (spe) hermaphrodites lay unfertilized oocytes and are self-sterile (L'Hernault and Singson, 2000), but they produce viable progeny when crossed with wild-type males, thus permitting the propagation of these mutations to subsequent generations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

TheCaenorhabditis elegans spe-38gene encodes a novel four-pass integral membrane protein required for sperm function at fertilization

et al. 2005

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A mutation in the Caenorhabditis elegans spe-38 gene results in a sperm-specific fertility defect. spe-38 sperm are indistinguishable from wild-type sperm with regards to their morphology, motility and migratory behavior. spe-38 sperm make close contact with oocytes but fail to fertilize them. spe-38 sperm can also stimulate ovulation and engage in sperm competition. The spe-38 gene is predicted to encode a novel four-pass (tetraspan) integral membrane protein. Structurally similar tetraspan molecules have been implicated in processes such as gamete adhesion/fusion in mammals, membrane adhesion/fusion during yeast mating, and the formation/function of tight-junctions in metazoa. In antibody localization experiments, SPE-38 was found to concentrate on the pseudopod of mature sperm, consistent with it playing a direct role in gamete interactions.

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“…Molecular genetics in particular has proven incisive in unravelling some of the mechanisms of fertilization. For this reason, the first review in this Focus issue provides an overview of the different genetically tractable systems that have contributed to identifying molecules involved in fertilization (Geldziler et al 2004). Each of the remaining reviews in this Focus issue is dedicated to one of the three questions highlighted above.…”

Section: Focus On Fertilizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Editorial

Carroll¹

2004

Reproduction

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This issue of Reproduction sees the first in a new initiative from its Editors -the Focus issues. Focus issues are designed to bring together reviews and research papers in areas of Reproductive Biology that have seen recent rapid developments. The first of these is Focus on Fertilization. This will be followed in September by Focus on ART and in December by Focus on Implantation. For each issue a 'guest' editor will commission 3 -4 reviews and we will be inviting research paper submissions on the topic. If you are reading this in the Journal more information on submission deadlines for these Focus issues is available via www.reproduction-online.org. To satisfy the wider interests of the readers of Reproduction each Focus issue will also contain research articles on the broad range of subjects we strive to cover each month. The Focus issues will provide a resource for experts, students and teachers alike and will form the basis of Focus collections, where past papers and any future papers on the theme will be bundled together online for ease of access.

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Molecular genetic approaches to studying fertilization in model systems

Cited by 15 publications

References 71 publications

Genes required for the common miracle of fertilization in Caenorhabditis elegans

Genes required for the common miracle of fertilization in Caenorhabditis elegans

TheCaenorhabditis elegans spe-38gene encodes a novel four-pass integral membrane protein required for sperm function at fertilization

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