Abstract
In mammals, integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that represent a large group of cell adhesion receptors involved in cell–cell, cell–extracellular matrix, and cell–pathogen interactions. Integrin receptors are an important part of signalization pathways and have an ability to transmit signals into and out of cells and participate in cell activation. In addition to somatic cells, integrins have also been detected on germ cells and are known to play a crucial role in complex gamete-specific physiological events, resulting in sperm-oocyte fusion. The main aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on integrins in reproduction and deliver novel perspectives and graphical interpretations presenting integrin subunits localization and their dynamic relocation during sperm maturation in comparison to the oocyte. A significant part of this review is devoted to discussing the existing view of the role of integrins during sperm migration through the female reproductive tract; oviductal reservoir formation; sperm maturation processes ensuing capacitation and the acrosome reaction, and their direct and indirect involvement in gamete membrane adhesion and fusion leading to fertilization.
Highlights
Mammalian reproduction is a complex physiological process that at the molecular level involves a series of events preceding successful sperm-oocyte fusion
The present review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge of the role of integrins in gamete physiology, maturation, activation, communication, interaction, and fusion
A significant reorganization of sperm membranes occurs, involving the fusion of the outer acrosomal membrane (OAM) with the plasma membrane (PM) that is facilitated by rapid depolymerization of actin fibers [52] and leads to exocytosis of the acrosome [53]
Summary
Mammalian reproduction is a complex physiological process that at the molecular level involves a series of events preceding successful sperm-oocyte fusion. This process is facilitated by mutual interactions of many molecules developing wide protein networks in membranes of both germ cells. The integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that represent a large group of cell adhesion receptors involved in cell–cell, cell–extracellular matrix, and cell–pathogen interactions [1]. These receptors have the ability to transmit signals in both directions, into and out of a cell, and are involved in a wide range of physiological processes such as: immune response, lymphocyte homing, platelet aggregation, in wound healing, cell differentiation, migration, proliferation, and even in cell survival [2,3].
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