The TMEM16A channel mediates the fast polyspermy block in Xenopus laevis.

ABSTRACT: In externally fertilizing animals, such as sea urchins and frogs, prolonged depolarization of the egg immediately after fertilization inhibits the entry of additional sperm-a phenomenon known as the fast block to polyspermy. In the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis, this depolarization is driven by Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- efflux. Although the prominent Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- currents generated in immature X. laevis oocytes are mediated by X. laevis transmembrane protein 16a (xTMEM16A) channels, little is known about the channels that contribute to the fast block in mature eggs. Moreover, the gamete undergoes a gross transformation as it develops from an immature oocyte into a fertilization-competent egg. Here, we report the results o

SUBMITTER: Wozniak KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6122928 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature