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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

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01-06-2016 | Gamete Biology

PLCζ sequence, protein levels, and distribution in human sperm do not correlate with semen characteristics and fertilization rates after ICSI

Authors: Anna Ferrer-Vaquer, Montserrat Barragan, Thomas Freour, Valérie Vernaeve, Rita Vassena

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 6/2016

Abstract

Purpose

Sperm-borne PLCζ protein induces Ca²⁺ oscillations in the oocyte and is believed to play a major role during oocyte activation. However, its implication in fertilization failure following ICSI is still debated. We analyzed PLCζ gene sequence, protein expression level, and localization in both patients with previous failed fertilization by ICSI and sperm donors with proven fertility in order to assess the association of PLCζ with both sperm characteristics and ability to fertilize.

Methods

Semen from 15 patients and 13 sperm donors with proven fertility was included in the study. Analysis of the PLCζ gene sequence, protein expression through Western blot, and protein localization by immunofluorescence were performed.

Results

Two patients with total fertilization failure presented mutations in heterozygosis in the PLCζ gene. Comparison with donor sample sequences displayed comparable SNP allele frequency. Distribution pattern of PLCζ did not vary significantly between donor and patient samples. Levels of PLCζ protein in sperm cells showed an interindividual variability both in patient and donor samples. Several SNPs previously reported in infertile patients were also present in fertile men.

Conclusion

Failed fertilization occurs even when levels and distribution of PLCζ protein are within normal range. PLCζ seems to be a necessary but not sufficient factor in determining the molecular pathway involved in oocyte activation.

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Title: PLCζ sequence, protein levels, and distribution in human sperm do not correlate with semen characteristics and fertilization rates after ICSI
Authors: Anna Ferrer-Vaquer
Montserrat Barragan
Thomas Freour
Valérie Vernaeve
Rita Vassena
Publication date: 01-06-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-016-0718-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

PLCζ sequence, protein levels, and distribution in human sperm do not correlate with semen characteristics and fertilization rates after ICSI

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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