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 Model of ADAM family protein domain structures |
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Fertilin BetaThe protein fertilin is a multidomain protein that is the founding member of a new protein family named the ADAMs because they have A Disintegrin and A Metalloprotease domain. Fertilin is an alpha, beta heterodimer with both subunits belonging to the ADAM family. The fertilin beta disintegrin domain is possibly an integrin ligand and may bind to the alpha6-beta1 integrin on the egg surface. Recently we have published results of a "knockout" mouse that carries a targeted mutation in the gene for fertilin beta. The phenotype of the knockout mouse demonstrates the requirement of fertilin beta for the adhesion of sperm to the egg plasma membrane and the role of this adhesion in sperm-egg membrane fusion. |
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CyritestinAlso belongs to the ADAM family of proteins. This protein also potentially apparently functions in sperm - egg membrane binding and fusion. |
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PH-20PH-20 is bi-functional. It is required for binding acrosome-reacted sperm to the zona pellucida. Also we have shown that plasma membrane-anchored PH-20 has a hyaluronidase activity that enables sperm to penetrate the cumulus cell layer surrounding the egg.Back to Top |
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