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CD9 and CD81 Interactions and Their Structural Modelling in Sperm Prior to Fertilization
Michaela Frolikova1, Pavla Manaskova-Postlerova2,3, Jiri Cerny4
1Group of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic. Michaela.Frolikova@ibt.cas.cz.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 20, 2018
Summary
Tetraspanins CD9 and CD81 are crucial for sperm function and fertilization. Their distinct localization and relocation during the acrosome reaction differ between humans and mice, impacting sperm-egg fusion.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Tetraspanins CD9 and CD81 are found in mammalian sperm.
- They are hypothesized to form a tetraspanin web and aid in sperm-egg fusion.
- CD9/CD81 double null female mice are sterile, highlighting their importance in fertilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of CD9/CD81 involvement in sperm tetraspanin web formation.
- To analyze the activity of CD9/CD81 prior to fertilization.
- To compare species-specific distribution and behavior of CD9 and CD81 in human and mouse sperm.
Main Methods:
- Confocal microscopy and colocalization assays.
- Super-resolution microscopy for detailed visualization.
- Co-immunoprecipitation to study protein interactions.
- Structural modeling for network formation analysis.
Main Results:
- Mutual CD9/CD81 localization was observed in human sperm (acrosomal cap) but distinct localization in mouse sperm.
- During the acrosome reaction, only CD9 relocated in human sperm, while both CD9 and CD81 relocated in mouse sperm.
- Structural modeling proposed lateral Cis and Trans interactions of CD9/CD81 within the sperm membrane.
Conclusions:
- CD9 and CD81 play critical roles in sperm function and fertilization.
- Species-specific differences exist in CD9/CD81 localization and dynamics during sperm maturation and acrosome reaction.
- Understanding these interactions provides insights into sperm-egg membrane fusion mechanisms.
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