Zn²⁺ is essential for Ca²⁺ oscillations in mouse eggs.

ABSTRACT: Changes in the intracellular concentration of free calcium (Ca²⁺) underpin egg activation and initiation of development in animals and plants. In mammals, the Ca²⁺ release is periodical, known as Ca²⁺ oscillations, and mediated by the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP₃R1). Another divalent cation, zinc (Zn²⁺), increases exponentially during oocyte maturation and is vital for meiotic transitions, arrests, and polyspermy prevention. It is unknown if these pivotal cations interplay during fertilization. Here, using mouse eggs, we showed that basal concentrations of labile Zn²⁺ are indispensable for sperm-initiated Ca²⁺ oscillations because Zn²⁺-deficient conditions induced by cell-permeable

SUBMITTER: Akizawa H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10723796 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature