Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42060237›Full record

ReviewJournal of assisted reproduction and genetics2026

A recurrent North African ZP1 variant and a literature review of genotype-phenotype correlations in ZP-related infertility.

Besma Hibat Allah Nourine, Leyla Ounis, Cécile Lang, Laura Feyereisen, Abdelali Zoghmar, Houssem Eddine Milat, Leila Rouabah, Claudine Mayer, Stéphane Viville

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Besma Hibat Allah NourineLaboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Mentouri Brothers, University of Constantine I, Constantine, Algeria.
Leyla OunisLaboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Mentouri Brothers, University of Constantine I, Constantine, Algeria.
Cécile LangLaboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Unité de Génétique de l'infertilité (UF3472), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
Laura FeyereisenLaboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Unité de Génétique de l'infertilité (UF3472), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
Abdelali ZoghmarIbn Rochd Clinic, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Constantine, Constantine, Algeria.
Houssem Eddine MilatIbn Rochd Clinic, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Constantine, Constantine, Algeria.
Leila RouabahLaboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Mentouri Brothers, University of Constantine I, Constantine, Algeria.
Claudine MayerComplex Systems and Translational Bioinformatics (CSTB), ICube Laboratory, UMR7357, University of Strasbourg, STRASBOURG, France.
Stéphane VivilleLaboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Unité de Génétique de l'infertilité (UF3472), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. stephane.viville@unistra.fr.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeGenetic diagnosis is increasingly crucial in medically assisted reproduction (MAR), enabling identification of infertility causes and guiding personalized treatments. This study investigates the genetic basis of empty follicle syndrome (EFS) in two independent consanguineous Algerian families with primary infertility.

methodsExome sequencing and in silico analysis of a comprehensive infertility gene panel were performed on two index cases. Variants were prioritized based on gene-disease relationships. The identified ZP1 variant was further analyzed by 3D protein modeling. A literature review was conducted in order to compare genotype-phenotype correlations for ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4 variants.

resultsBoth patients and two affected siblings harbored a homozygous ZP1 c.1097G > A p.(Arg366Gln) variant inherited from both heterozygous parents. This previously described variant appears to be recurrent in North African populations. Structural modeling supported its pathogenic effect, as it likely disrupts zona pellucida structure, essential for oocyte protection and fertilization. Literature review showed that phenotypes varied among reported ZP1 mutations, ranging from complete EFS to cases with successful pregnancies. Comparative analysis of ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4 variants highlighted their critical but distinct roles in oocyte biology.

conclusionsThe recurrent ZP1 c.1097G > A p.(Arg366Gln) variant contributes to EFS in consanguineous North African families. Genetic diagnosis using targeted gene panels is valuable for personalized infertility care and counseling. Further research into genotype-phenotype relationships and therapeutic approaches is needed to improve management of ZP-related infertility.

Indexed as

Infertility, FemaleZona Pellucida GlycoproteinsAdultAfrica, NorthernConsanguinityExome SequencingFemaleGenetic Association StudiesHumansMutationOocytesPedigreePregnancyReproductive Techniques, AssistedZona PellucidaZona Pellucida GlycoproteinsZP1 protein, humanEmpty follicle syndromeFemale infertilityNext-generation sequencingZona pellucidaZP1

Identifiers

PMID42060237
PMCPMC13319846

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