Birmingham Women's Hospital

In conjunction with the Institute of Biomedical Research

Human Gamete Interaction and Signalling (R0172/ R0173)

Applicant:  Jackson C Kirkman-Brown PhD

Lay Summary:

As a human sperm approaches the egg it undergoes an event called acrosome reaction (AR), which is thought to be a pre-requisite for successful fertilisation. In the body or in-vitro (in IVF treatment) this is thought to be induced by interaction with proteins of the zona pellucida (ZP), a sticky coat surrounding the egg. Despite the crucial role of AR in fertilisation, the technical and logistic difficulties of undertaking experimental work have been such that almost nothing is known about what happens as a sperm moves through the outer egg coats.

In this project we will employ advanced fluorescent imaging (microscopy) techniques to examine in detail the events occurring as human sperm and egg interact, particularly with reference to concentrations of calcium which we know form a vital part of the signalling that occurs. The data we hope to generate will give new insight into the very early events occurring in fertilisation which, once we know and understand should allow the development of new diagnostic and treatment regimes.