Karin Panser

The SPARK complex forms the molecular basis of vertebrate fertilization

This study identifies SPARK as a conserved multi-protein complex essential for vertebrate fertilization, linking gamete recognition to membrane fusion.

A conserved fertilization complex of Izumo1, Spaca6, and Tmem81 mediates sperm-egg interaction in vertebrates

The paper identifies a conserved trimeric complex of Izumo1, Spaca6, and Tmem81 essential for sperm-egg interaction in vertebrates, showing their role in male fertility and binding to the egg protein Bouncer.

Distinct features in fish Bouncer proteins determine sperm-egg compatibility

The paper identifies specific amino acid residues and N-glycosylation patterns in Bouncer proteins that mediate species-specific sperm-egg compatibility between medaka and zebrafish.

Sperm membrane proteins DCST1 and DCST2 are required for the sperm-egg fusion process in mice and fish

This study shows that DCST1 and DCST2 are essential for sperm-egg fusion in mice and zebrafish, with mutations leading to male infertility.

The sperm protein Spaca6 is essential for fertilization in zebrafish

This study shows that zebrafish Spaca6 is essential for fertilization by regulating Dcst2 levels and enabling sperm-egg membrane binding.

Reciprocal zebrafish-medaka hybrids reveal maternal control of zygotic genome activation timing

This study uses reciprocal zebrafish-medaka hybrids to show that maternal factors primarily control the timing of zygotic genome activation.

The sperm protein SPACA4 is required for efficient fertilization in mice

This study identifies SPACA4 as an essential sperm protein required for zona pellucida penetration during mammalian fertilization in mice.

Selective roles of vertebrate PCF11 in premature and full-length transcript termination

This study shows PCF11 is critical for vertebrate development by promoting transcription termination and preventing transcriptional interference.