Project description
Unravelling fertilisation in mammals
The sperm-specific protein Izumo binds to Juno – its egg receptor counterpart. This binding is essential for fertilisation, but more players must be involved in the process. The EU-funded Sperm-Egg Phusion project will investigate the theory that lipids called phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) on viable sperm and corresponding PtdSer receptors on oocytes (immature egg cells) are instrumental in the fertilisation of mammals. This testing will be performed at molecular, biochemical, cellular, functional and genetic levels. It will explore how PtdSer alters during sperm maturation and what molecular processes control PtdSer’s exposure on viable sperm. In addition, the project will study the genetic importance of various PtdSer receptors in fertilisation and how PtdSer causes novel signals within oocytes.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
Host institution
9052 Zwijnaarde - Gent
Belgium
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Beneficiaries (1)
9052 Zwijnaarde - Gent
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