Functional analysis of fertilization related genes in mice

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project Area: Analyses and regulation of germline epigenome
• Project/Area Number: 25112007
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (Research in a proposed research area)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Review Section: Biological Sciences
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: IKAWA MASAHITO 大阪大学, 微生物病研究所, 教授 (20304066)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): ISOATANI Ayako 奈良先端科学技術大学院大学, 器官発生工学, 准教授 (20444523) ; SATOUH Yuhkoh 大阪大学, 微生物病研究所, 講師 (40545571) ; FUJIHARA Yoshitaka 大阪大学, 微生物病研究所, 助教 (70578848) ; MIYATA Haruhiko 大阪大学, 微生物病研究所, 助教 (50604732)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-06-28 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: ゲノム編集 / 生殖不全 / 遺伝子破壊 / 点変異 / 受精 / 不妊

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We applied CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing in fertilized eggs and ES cells to study fertilization related genes in mice. While 54 of 80 testis-specific genes are not essential for male fertility, we found (1) sperm calcineurin is essential for sperm motility and could be male contraceptive target, (2) W62 of oocyte JUNO plays pivotal role to interact with sperm IZUMO1 and subsequent fertilization, and (3) sperm-borne phospholipase C zeta-1 ensures monospermic fertilization in mice.

Free Research Field

実験動物学