Modulators of calcium signalling at fertilization

Calcium (Ca ) signals initiate egg activation across the animal kingdom and in at least some plants. These signals are crucial for the success of development and, in the case of mammals, health of the offspring. The mechanisms associated with fertilization that trigger these signals and the molecule...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Open biology 2020-07, Vol.10 (7), p.200118
Main Authors: Stein, Paula, Savy, Virginia, Williams, Audrey M, Williams, Carmen J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Calcium - metabolism
calcium channels
Calcium Release Activated Calcium Channels - genetics
Calcium Signaling - genetics
calcium signalling
egg activation
Endoplasmic Reticulum - genetics
fertilization
Fertilization - genetics
Humans
Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors - genetics
oocyte
Review
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Summary:Calcium (Ca ) signals initiate egg activation across the animal kingdom and in at least some plants. These signals are crucial for the success of development and, in the case of mammals, health of the offspring. The mechanisms associated with fertilization that trigger these signals and the molecules that regulate their characteristic patterns vary widely. With few exceptions, a major contributor to fertilization-induced elevation in cytoplasmic Ca is release from endoplasmic reticulum stores through the IP3 receptor. In some cases, Ca influx from the extracellular space and/or release from alternative intracellular stores contribute to the rise in cytoplasmic Ca . Following the Ca rise, the reuptake of Ca into intracellular stores or efflux of Ca out of the egg drive the return of cytoplasmic Ca back to baseline levels. The molecular mediators of these Ca fluxes in different organisms include Ca release channels, uptake channels, exchangers and pumps. The functions of these mediators are regulated by their particular activating mechanisms but also by alterations in their expression and spatial organization. We discuss here the molecular basis for modulation of Ca signalling at fertilization, highlighting differences across several animal phyla, and we mention key areas where questions remain.
ISSN:2046-2441
2046-2441
DOI:10.1098/rsob.200118