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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Loss- and Gain-of-function Approach to Investigate Early Cell Fate Determinants in Preimplantation Mouse Embryos
Published on: June 6, 2016
[Role of SP3111 protein in fertilization and early embryo development in mice]
Xiao-Feng Jia1, Mi Zhou, Ju-Fang Lin
1Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs and Devices of National Population and Family Planning Commission/Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200032, China. meteor1019@126.com
Objective:
To study the function of the SP3111 protein in fertilization and early embryo development through in vitro fertilization (IVF) experiments following anti-SP111 antibody (Ab2438) blocking.
Methods:
Sperm samples collected from male mice were divided into an experimental, a blank control and a negative control group before IVF. The sperm of the experimental group was incubated with Ab2438 for 1 h followed by IVF and observed for the rates of fertilization and embryo fragmentation at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 22 h. Then the fertilized eggs were incubated with Ab2438, and the rates of fertilization embryo fragmentation were observed at 22 h.
Results:
After the sperm was incubated with Ab2438, the incidences of embryo fragmentation were 5.26, 8.77, 23.25, 43.42 and 59.21% at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 22 h, respectively, with significant differences from the control groups (P < 0.01). After 22 h Ab2438 incubation of the fertilized eggs, the rates of normal and fragmented embryos of the experimental group were 23.64 and 63.64%, respectively, significantly different from those of the control groups (P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
Anti-SP3111 antibodies remarkably affected fertilization and early embryo development in mice. The SP3111 protein may be a signal molecule and plays a role in fertilization and early embryo development together with other proteins. Further studies on the function of the SP3111 protein in reproduction may offer a new insight into the molecular mechanism of infertility.
Insights
Blocking the SP3111 protein with antibodies significantly impaired mouse fertilization and early embryo development. This suggests SP3111 is crucial for reproductive success and may offer insights into infertility causes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental biology
- Molecular biology
Context:
- Fertilization and early embryo development are critical processes in reproduction.
- The SP3111 protein's role in these processes is not fully understood.
- Investigating novel proteins involved in reproduction is essential for addressing infertility.
Purpose:
- To investigate the function of the SP3111 protein in mouse fertilization and early embryo development.
- To determine the effects of blocking SP3111 using anti-SP111 antibodies (Ab2438) in vitro.
- To assess the impact on fertilization rates and embryo fragmentation.
Summary:
- Sperm were incubated with Ab2438 before in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- Fertilized eggs were also incubated with Ab2438.
- Embryo fragmentation rates significantly increased, and normal embryo development was reduced in the experimental groups compared to controls (P < 0.01).
Impact:
- Anti-SP3111 antibodies significantly affected fertilization and early embryo development in mice.
- The SP3111 protein may function as a signal molecule in reproduction.
- Further research into SP3111 could provide new molecular insights into infertility mechanisms.
