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Int. J. Dev. Biol. 52: 503 - 510 (2008)
doi: 10.1387/ijdb.082696hf
© UPV/EHU Press

Regulating the acrosome reaction

Harvey M. Florman*, Melissa K. Jungnickel and Keith A. Sutton

Department of Cell Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA

ABSTRACT The acrosome reaction is a secretory event that must be completed by the sperm of many animal species prior to fusion with eggs. In mammals, exocytosis in triggered by ZP3, a glycoprotein component of the egg pellucida, following gamete contact. ZP3 promotes a sustained influx of Ca²⁺ into sperm that is necessary for the acrosome reaction. Here, we discuss the mechanism by which ZP3 generates Ca²⁺ entry, as well as the upstream events leading to this influx and downstream processes that couple it with exocytosis.

Keywords:

acrosome reaction, signal transduction calcium channel, TRPC channel, PI3, kinase

*Corresponding author e-mail: harvey.florman@umassmed.edu