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Researchers identify protein in mice that helps prepare for healthy egg-sperm union

Date:
July 27, 2015
Source:
NIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Summary:
A protein that plays a vital role in healthy egg-sperm union has been identified in mice. The protein RGS2 can delay an egg's development into an embryo in order to allow time for sperm to arrive and merge with the egg in a healthy fertilization process. The embryo cannot survive without the male chromosomes, the scientists report.
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Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered a protein that plays a vital role in healthy egg-sperm union in mice. The protein RGS2 can delay an egg's development into an embryo in order to allow time for sperm to arrive and merge with the egg in a healthy fertilization process. The embryo cannot survive without the male chromosomes.

"These findings show the critical role that the protein RGS2 plays in preserving the fertilizability of the ovulated egg," said Carmen Williams, M.D., Ph.D., lead researcher at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, part of the NIH. "Other researchers have shown that RGS2 plays an important role in regulating heart function and blood pressure, but this is the first demonstration of the protein's significant role in fertilization."

Dr. Williams explained that the immature egg found in the ovary is not very good at rallying the necessary calcium signaling that is needed to respond to sperm. However, during the maturation process, the egg stores calcium, preparing it for fertilization. At fertilization, the sperm causes calcium to release within the egg, turning it into a developing embryo.

The mouse study, published online in the journal Development, shows that during maturation the egg synthesizes RGS2, which suppresses calcium signaling. This safety mechanism ensures that the egg does not begin releasing calcium and start developing before the sperm arrives. Beginning development too early prevents the egg from merging with the sperm.

The RGS2 protein is being looked at as a therapeutic target for hypertension and other heart ailments. "Understanding the role RGS2 plays in reproduction is important when considering the possible benefits and side effects of any new treatments, as well as understanding the impact that toxins might have on human fertility," said Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., director of NIEHS and the National Toxicology Program.


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Materials provided by NIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. M. L. Bernhardt, K. M. Lowther, E. Padilla-Banks, C. E. McDonough, K. N. Lee, A. V. Evsikov, T. F. Uliasz, P. Chidiac, C. J. Williams, L. M. Mehlmann. Regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2) suppresses premature calcium release in mouse eggs. Development, 2015; DOI: 10.1242/dev.121707

Cite This Page:

NIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. "Researchers identify protein in mice that helps prepare for healthy egg-sperm union." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 27 July 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150727110329.htm>.
NIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2015, July 27). Researchers identify protein in mice that helps prepare for healthy egg-sperm union. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150727110329.htm
NIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. "Researchers identify protein in mice that helps prepare for healthy egg-sperm union." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150727110329.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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