Research Discovers Key to Fertilization

British scientists isolated a sperm factor gene that produces a protein that triggers fertilization and development of the egg into an embryo. Researchers can now explain how sperm create a surge in calcium levels in the egg that occur during fertilization and activates its dividing process. The discovered molecule produces a protein called PLC-zeta which causes the increasing calcium level in the egg.

Drs. Hummel and Kettel agree with the researchers who see immense potential benefits of this discovery such as treatment for male infertility and diseases i.e. diabetes and parkinson’s, and the development of male contraceptives.