The Molecular mechanisms of sperm-egg fusion in mouse

The mechanism of gamete fusion remains largely unknown on molecular level despite its indisputable significance. A few molecules requisite for membrane interaction are known, among them IZUMO1 on sperm and tetraspanin CD9 on egg. A concept of a large multitprotein complex on both membranes forming a fusion machinery is recently emerging. CD9 is expected to play a role in organizing egg membrane order and to interact laterally with other factors. On the other hand, IZUMO1 contains one immunoglobulin (Ig) domain, which is known for its interaction with various molecules and thus is expected to have a binding partner on the egg membrane. Ig domains are known for their involvement in interactions with Fc receptors and Fc receptor-like molecules, which makes these a potential partner for sperm in gamete binding and fusion. Recent experiments identified Fc receptor-like 3 as a candidate binding partner for sperm by one-bead one-compound assay. The aim of presented study was to assess the localization of FCRL3 in mouse eggs, together with its potential co-localization with IZUMO1 on complexes of zona-free eggs with bound sperm. In this study, FCRL3 molecule has been found across the cytoplasm, possibly in the intracytoplasmic membrane compartments of the cell, as well as on the egg membrane. Its presence..