# SPERM FUNCTION IN FERTILIZATION EVENTS

> **NIH NIH R01** · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY · 1994 · $180,263

## Abstract

The spermatozoan plasma and acrosomal membranes are partitioned into
domains of distinct molecular and structural composition which perform
specific functions at defined steps of fertilization.  The long range
goals of this proposal are to define the molecular and structural
mechanisms which generate the mosaic character of the spermatozoan
membranes and to identify the role of cytoskeletal assemblies in sperm
development and fertilization.  Four specific aims are directed towards
these goals.  Aim one is to define the role of the spermatid cytoskeleton
in acrosome morphogenesis.  Quick-freeze, deep-etch freeze-fracture and
thin section electron microscopy will be employed to define the spatial
organization and membrane interactions of the subacrosomal f-actin
network in hamster spermatids.  Affinity-isolation protocols will be
utilized to purify spermatid actin-binding proteins and ultrastructural
immunochemistry will be utilized to define the role of actin-binding
proteins in acrosome morphogenesis.  Aim two is to define the mechanisms
which generate the unique molecular and structural properties of the
inner acrosomal membrane.  Inner acrosomal membrane-specific monoclonal
antibodies and ultrastructural immunocytochemistry will be employed to
identify protein trafficking pathways which establish domain-specific
protein localizations; specific protein-protein interactions between the
inner acrosomal membrane and perinuclear cytoskeleton which function in
membrane domain formation will be identified.  Aim three is to identify
the mechanism of assembly of the membrane skeleton of the outer acrosomal
membrane and to define its roles in acrosome function.  The protein
trafficking and sorting pathways utilized to establish the outer
acrosomal membrane domain will be identified.  It will be determined if
the acrosomal lamina functions both to immobilize integral membrane
proteins and to segregate the acrosomal matrix into distinct
compartments.  Aim four is to identify polypeptides of the inner
acrosomal membrane which function during fertilization to bind the zona
pellucida and the egg plasma membrane.  Purified inner acrosomal
membranes will be tested for their ability to bind the zona and the egg
plasma membrane and to block sperm-egg interactions in vitro.  Completion
of these specific aims will provide new data on the mechanisms which
establish the different domains of the acrosomal membrane and provide new
insights into the function of domain-specific membrane proteins during
spermiogenesis and fertilization.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2198014
- **Project number:** 5R01HD020419-10
- **Recipient organization:** VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GTNBNWXJ12D5
- **Principal Investigator:** GARY E OLSON
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $180,263
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-07-01 → 1998-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2198014

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2198014, SPERM FUNCTION IN FERTILIZATION EVENTS (5R01HD020419-10). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-26 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2198014. Licensed CC0.

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