The initial molecular events mediating mammalian sperm binding to the zona pellucida (ZP) of the oocyte are highly complex and still not fully elucidated. Recent advances have identified multiple candidate sperm surface proteins, often functioning as part of high-molecular-weight complexes that mediate this critical fertilization event in a species-specific and coordinated manner. To address a significant gap in the literature, we provide an in-depth overview of the functional assays employed to investigate sperm-ZP interactions, emphasizing their underlying principles, potential applications, and key methodological strengths and limitations. The techniques discussed range from classical in vitro sperm-oocyte and hemizona binding assays, including antibody-blocking and competitive strategies, to cutting-edge in vivo genetic models, each contributing unique insights into the physiological relevance of the proposed ZP receptors. Robust experimental design, including the use of appropriate controls and validation strategies, is essential for accurately interpreting the role of candidate sperm receptors. This review provides a structured overview of current methodologies to support researchers in critically evaluating and applying functional assays in future studies.

• Klíčová slova
• antibody, antibody block, binding assay, competitive assay, hemizona binding assay, knockout model, recombinant protein, sperm receptor, sperm–ZP binding,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) support the germline by suppressing retrotransposons. Studies of the pathway in mice have strongly shaped the view that mammalian piRNAs are essential for male but not for female fertility. Here, we report that the role of the piRNA pathway substantially differs in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), the piRNA pathway setup of which more closely resembles that of other mammals, including humans. The loss of the Mov10l1 RNA helicase-an essential piRNA biogenesis factor-leads to striking phenotypes in both sexes. In contrast to mice, female Mov10l1-/- hamsters are sterile because their oocytes do not sustain zygotic development. Furthermore, Mov10l1-/- male hamsters have impaired establishment of spermatogonia accompanied by transcriptome dysregulation and an expression surge of a young retrotransposon subfamily. Our results show that the mammalian piRNA pathway has essential roles in both sexes and its adaptive nature allows it to manage emerging genomic threats and acquire new critical roles in the germline.

• MeSH
• křečci praví MeSH
• křeček rodu Mesocricetus metabolismus   MeSH
• malá interferující RNA genetika   MeSH
• oocyty metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• retroelementy fyziologie   MeSH
• RNA-helikasy genetika   MeSH
• spermatogeneze genetika   fyziologie   MeSH
• spermatogonie metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• testis metabolismus   MeSH
• umlčování genů fyziologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• křečci praví MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• malá interferující RNA MeSH
• retroelementy MeSH
• RNA-helikasy MeSH

Sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) interaction, involving the binding of sperm surface ligands to complementary carbohydrates of ZP, is the first direct gamete contact event crucial for subsequent gamete fusion and successful fertilization in mammals. It is a complex process mediated by the coordinated engagement of multiple ZP receptors forming high-molecular-weight (HMW) protein complexes at the acrosomal region of the sperm surface. The present article aims to review the current understanding of sperm-ZP binding in the four most studied mammalian models, i.e., murine, porcine, bovine, and human, and summarizes the candidate ZP receptors with established ZP affinity, including their origins and the mechanisms of ZP binding. Further, it compares and contrasts the ZP structure and carbohydrate composition in the aforementioned model organisms. The comprehensive understanding of sperm-ZP interaction mechanisms is critical for the diagnosis of infertility and thus becomes an integral part of assisted reproductive therapies/technologies.

• Klíčová slova
• ZP-ligands, gamete interaction, sperm-ZP receptors, spermatozoa, zona pellucida,
• MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• ligandy MeSH
• membránové glykoproteiny metabolismus   MeSH
• mezibuněčná komunikace * MeSH
• receptory buněčného povrchu metabolismus   MeSH
• savci metabolismus   MeSH
• spermie cytologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• zona pellucida metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. MeSH
• Názvy látek
• ligandy MeSH
• membránové glykoproteiny MeSH
• receptory buněčného povrchu MeSH