Fertilization is biological process with important medical, social and economic implications. From extensive study, the events of fertilization are known in some detail. However, the molecular underpinnings of these events generally remain elusive. Most previous work on fertilization has relied on biochemical and immunological approaches. Our work is groundbreaking in the application of classic genetic analysis to this vital area of research. RATIONALE: Many of the genetic and molecular tools developed for C. elegans are not available or are very difficult to utilize in other organisms traditionally used fo studying fertilization. One of the most significant advantages of C. elegans is the ability to isolate and maintain mutants that affect sperm or eggs and no other cells. Previously, through the study of sterile mutants, we have identified some of the first molecules required for productive gamete interactions in C. elegans.
We aim to get a better understanding how sperm molecules (SPE-9, SPE-38, SPE-41/TRP-3 and SPE- 45/Izumo) and oocyte molecules (EGG-1/2) functions to insure successful fertilization. The SPE-45/Izumo gene represents a conserved sperm function from worms to humans. Further, a full understanding of the molecular mechanisms of fertilization is impossible without a more complete inventory of molecular components. Therefore we aim to identify new fertilization molecules through genetic and molecular analysis. Particular emphasis will be placed on the identification of genes required in oocytes. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this proposal is to further our understanding of fertilization in C. elegans by conducting the following experimental aims: 1) Determine the molecular nature of new gamete function genes defined by a fertilization defective mutant phenotype. 2) Investigate mechanistic connections, functions and fertilization pathways of previously identified gamete function molecules. 3) Conduct a saturation mutagenesis for fertilization mutants taking advantage of an innovative genetic screening strategy that enriches for gamete function mutants. This work will complement fertility studies in other organisms as well as provide insights into the mechanisms of cell-cell interactions and the diversity of reproductive strategies
Although the events of fertilization are fairly well described for a number of species, the molecular underpinnings of the process are not well understood. We are identifying the molecules and molecular mechanisms of fertilization in the model system Caenorhabditis elegans. This work will complement studies of fertilization in other species and could eventually lead to a better understanding of the causes of infertility, the diversity of reproductive strategies and the design of new contraceptives.
| Marcello, Matthew R; Druzhinina, Marina; Singson, Andrew (2018) Caenorhabditis elegans sperm membrane protein interactome. Biol Reprod 98:776-783 |
| Krauchunas, Amber R; Mendez, Ernesto; Ni, Julie Zhouli et al. (2018) spe-43 is required for sperm activation in C. elegans. Dev Biol 436:75-83 |
| Krauchunas, Amber R; Marcello, Matthew R; Singson, Andrew (2016) The molecular complexity of fertilization: Introducing the concept of a fertilization synapse. Mol Reprod Dev 83:376-86 |
| Singaravelu, Gunasekaran; Rahimi, Sina; Krauchunas, Amber et al. (2015) Forward Genetics Identifies a Requirement for the Izumo-like Immunoglobulin Superfamily spe-45 Gene in Caenorhabditis elegans Fertilization. Curr Biol 25:3220-4 |
| Marcello, Matthew R; Singaravelu, Gunasekaran; Singson, Andrew (2013) Fertilization. Adv Exp Med Biol 757:321-50 |
| Singaravelu, Gunasekaran; Singson, Andrew (2013) Calcium signaling surrounding fertilization in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Cell Calcium 53:2-9 |
| Chatterjee, Indrani; Ibanez-Ventoso, Carolina; Vijay, Priyanka et al. (2013) Dramatic fertility decline in aging C. elegans males is associated with mating execution deficits rather than diminished sperm quality. Exp Gerontol 48:1156-66 |
| Singaravelu, Gunasekaran; Chatterjee, Indrani; Rahimi, Sina et al. (2012) The sperm surface localization of the TRP-3/SPE-41 Ca2+ -permeable channel depends on SPE-38 function in Caenorhabditis elegans. Dev Biol 365:376-83 |
| Geldziler, Brian D; Marcello, Matthew R; Shakes, Diane C et al. (2011) The genetics and cell biology of fertilization. Methods Cell Biol 106:343-75 |
| Parry, Jean M; Singson, Andrew (2011) EGG molecules couple the oocyte-to-embryo transition with cell cycle progression. Results Probl Cell Differ 53:135-51 |
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