Space asymmetry directs preferential sperm entry in the absence of polarity in the mouse oocyte.

PLoS Biology
Nami MotosugiTakashi Hiiragi

Abstract

Knowledge about the mechanism that establishes embryonic polarity is fundamental in understanding mammalian development. In re-addressing several controversial claims, we recently proposed a model in which mouse embryonic polarity is not specified until the blastocyst stage. Before fertilization, the fully differentiated oocyte has been characterized as "polarized," and we indeed observed that the sperm preferentially enters the polar body half. Here we show that preferential sperm entry is not due to an intrinsic polarity of the oocyte, since fertilization takes place uniformly when the zona pellucida is removed. We suggest that the term "asymmetry" denotes morphological differences, whereas "polarity" in addition implies developmental consequences. Thus, the mouse oocyte can be considered "asymmetric" but "non-polarized." The penetration through the zona pellucida is also random, and a significant proportion of sperm binds to the oocyte membrane at a point distant from the zona penetration site. Time-lapse recordings confirmed that sperm swim around the perivitelline space before fertilization. Experimental enlargement of the perivitelline space in the non-polar body half increased the regional probability of fertilization. B...Continue Reading

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Citations

Nov 29, 2007·PloS One·Youichirou Ninomiya, Shizuko Ichinose
Jul 7, 2009·Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology·Martin H Johnson
Sep 14, 2010·Human Reproduction Update·Stéphane Brunet, Marie Hélène Verlhac
Apr 14, 2009·Molecular Reproduction and Development·Alexei V Evsikov, Caralina Marín de Evsikova
Apr 7, 2011·The EMBO Journal·Matthew D VerMilyeaAnthony C F Perry
Mar 20, 2010·Development, Growth & Differentiation·Toshihiko Fujimori
Mar 11, 2008·Genesis : the Journal of Genetics and Development·Tobias BauerTakashi Hiiragi
Jun 6, 2009·The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science·Sang Kyu ParkSangho Roh
Jan 8, 2020·Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics·Zuzana Trebichalská, Zuzana Holubcová
Apr 4, 2021·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Carla Moros-NicolásMª José Izquierdo-Rico
Aug 24, 2021·The Journal of Cell Biology·Masashi MoriMasahito Ikawa
Sep 30, 2021·Cell and Tissue Research·Ecem YildirimAylin Yaba
Nov 28, 2012·Current Biology : CB·Inna TabanskyKevin Eggan

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