How to translate text using browser tools
1 December 2001 Zonadhesin: Characterization, Localization, and Zona Pellucida Binding
Isabel A. Lea, Perumal Sivashanmugam, Michael G. O'Rand
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Zonadhesin is a multiple-domain transmembrane protein that is believed to function as a sperm-zona pellucida binding protein. In this study we sequenced zonadhesin from rabbit testis and analyzed its processing, expression, localization, and zona pellucida binding. We show that the precursor protein occurs exclusively in the testis and that proteolytic processing results in the formation of three fragments: p43 (D1 domain), p97 (D2–D4 domains), and p58 (D4 domain-C-terminal). In mature spermatozoa the p43 and p97 fragments exist as disulfide-bonded dimers. During spermatogenesis, synthesis of zonadhesin mRNA chiefly occurs in primary spermatocytes, whereas the protein is abundant in both Sertoli cells and spermatids. In spermatozoa the protein is localized exclusively to the anterior acrosome but is not available for binding antibody on live spermatozoa. Once the acrosome reaction is induced, zonadhesin is lost from the spermatozoon, but remains with the acrosomal shroud. We show that recombinant D4 domain can bind zona pellucida, and we propose that zonadhesin functions after the acrosome reaction has been initiated to bind the acrosomal shroud to the zona pellucida.

Isabel A. Lea, Perumal Sivashanmugam, and Michael G. O'Rand "Zonadhesin: Characterization, Localization, and Zona Pellucida Binding," Biology of Reproduction 65(6), 1691-1700, (1 December 2001). https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod65.6.1691
Published: 1 December 2001
KEYWORDS
fertilization
Sertoli cells
sperm
sperm maturation
spermatid
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top