ArticleNature2016
Molecular architecture of the human sperm IZUMO1 and egg JUNO fertilization complex.
Article in Nature, 2016. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 80 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
80 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 185 citations in OpenAlex.
- The Role of Sperm Proteins IZUMO1 and TMEM95 in Mammalian Fertilization: A Systematic Review.International journal of molecular sciences · 2022Pooled it
- Molecular determinants of species-specific gamete adhesion triggering HAP2-mediated membrane fusion.Nature communications · 2026Article
- Molecular interplay between sperm and oocyte: a narrative review.Human reproduction update · 2026Review
- Sperm surface protein disulfide isomerase ERp57 is crucial for mammalian fertilization but functions independently of IZUMO1.Cellular & molecular biology letters · 2026Article
- A versatile capsule-intravaginal ring platform enables rapid and sustained release of monoclonal antibodies for non-hormonal contraception.Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society · 2026Article
- The SPARK complex forms the molecular basis of vertebrate fertilization.bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · 2026Article
- JUNO-coated beads as a functional assay to capture and characterize fertilization-competent human sperm.Human reproduction open · 2026Article
- Membrane Fusions During Mammalian Fertilization.Advances in experimental medicine and biology · 2026Review
- Spermatozoa lacking TEX51 display hypofertility and defects in morphology.Communications biology · 2025Article
- Mutational disruption of transcription factors binding and regulatory networks in a case of unexplained total fertilization failure.Journal of translational medicine · 2025Article
- The dual role of whole-genome duplication: biological mechanisms, functional consequences, and detection advances.Acta biochimica et biophysica Sinica · 2025Review
- Multi-state catch bond formed in the Izumo1:Juno complex that initiates human fertilization.Nature communications · 2025Article
- Molecular mechanisms leading to gamete fusion.Fukushima journal of medical science · 2025Review
- CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing reveals seven testis-enriched transmembrane glycoproteins dispensable for male fertility in mice.Andrology · 2025Article
- PRAMEY enhances sperm-egg binding and modulates epigenetic dynamics in bovine embryogenesis.Cell and tissue research · 2025Article
- Review
- Allosteric inhibition of the IZUMO1-JUNO fertilization complex by the naturally occurring antisperm antibody OBF13.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · 2025Article
- Decoding the Genes Orchestrating Egg and Sperm Fusion Reactions and Their Roles in Fertility.Biomedicines · 2024Review
- Advances in the genetic etiology of female infertility.Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics · 2024Review
- Prediction of Pesticide Interactions with Proteins Involved in Human Reproduction by Using a Virtual Screening Approach: A Case Study of Famoxadone Binding CRBP-III and Izumo.International journal of molecular sciences · 2024Article
20 more citing papers are in PubMed but not listed here.
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Authors and funding
5 authors at 2 institutions in 2 countries.
Funding
Abstract
Fertilization is an essential biological process in sexual reproduction and comprises a series of molecular interactions between the sperm and egg. The fusion of the haploid spermatozoon and oocyte is the culminating event in mammalian fertilization, enabling the creation of a new, genetically distinct diploid organism. The merger of two gametes is achieved through a two-step mechanism in which the sperm protein IZUMO1 on the equatorial segment of the acrosome-reacted sperm recognizes its receptor, JUNO, on the egg surface. This recognition is followed by the fusion of the two plasma membranes. IZUMO1 and JUNO proteins are indispensable for fertilization, as constitutive knockdown of either protein results in mice that are healthy but infertile. Despite their central importance in reproductive medicine, the molecular architectures of these proteins and the details of their functional roles in fertilization are not known. Here we present the crystal structures of human IZUMO1 and JUNO in unbound and bound conformations. The human IZUMO1 structure exhibits a distinct boomerang shape and provides structural insights into the IZUMO family of proteins. Human IZUMO1 forms a high-affinity complex with JUNO and undergoes a major conformational change within its N-terminal domain upon binding to the egg-surface receptor. Our results provide insights into the molecular basis of sperm-egg recognition, cross-species fertilization, and the barrier to polyspermy, thereby promising benefits for the rational development of non-hormonal contraceptives and fertility treatments for humans and other mammals.
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.