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Sperm and oocyte communication mechanisms controlling C. elegans fertility
Author(s) -
Han Sung Min,
Cottee Pauline A.,
Miller Michael A.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
developmental dynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.634
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1097-0177
pISSN - 1058-8388
DOI - 10.1002/dvdy.22202
Subject(s) - oocyte , biology , sperm , caenorhabditis elegans , human fertilization , oocyte activation , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , embryo , gene
During sexual reproduction in many species, sperm and oocyte secrete diffusible signaling molecules to help orchestrate the biological symphony of fertilization. In the Caenorhabditis elegans gonad, bidirectional signaling between sperm and oocyte is important for guiding sperm to the fertilization site and inducing oocyte maturation. The molecular mechanisms that regulate sperm guidance and oocyte maturation are being delineated. Unexpectedly, these mechanisms are providing insight into human diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and cancer. Here we review sperm and oocyte communication in C. elegans and discuss relationships to human disorders. Developmental Dynamics 239:1265–1281, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.